PICTURES & THINGS

AND THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

2011-01-20T16:42:00.003-06:00

Feels like I have been a weak and no energy body a long time. Chemo knocked a bunch of stuff out of me, and hopefully a bunch of Cancer Cells, too. Now I am into Radiation for the first week. Tomorrow will be my 5th treatment. Saw the Dr today. He just told me after the first 3 weeks things get interesting... hahah I think this whole process has been interesting.

I cannot complain. I am making it through, I think.. and have had very few side effects. The Neuropathy is the worst. It tends to throw your balance off, limits what your legs can do, and getting up and down the stairs is a real effort. I was told to take deep breath, hold it a few seconds, and release while walking up. It does help.

I sure had a long life of health, and last May that sort of came to an abrupt end. I hope to one day regain my strength, play some golf and get out with the wind and the sun!!!!! That is my goal.

Cancer is a pit. But, believe it or not, killing cancer cells is my biggest goal. That will be a happy day if they can tell me down the road I am free..

And the Journey continues.

BAD YEAR FOR LONGHORNS.....

2010-11-14T10:26:00.002-06:00

THIS has been the worst football season since I was a Jr at the University of Texas back in 1956. My first summer in Austin was spent at Barton Springs, and the lakes. I had a wonderful time. I made some pretty good grades in summer school (2 B's which was rare for me) and of course, I thought fall school would be a real easy thing. I found out really fast that I was mistaken! I always did better in Summer School, as I didn't have to remember too far back what I had learned. I could study, know the answers, and get in a test and my mind would shut down! Oh well, recall was the hardest part of school, and it is the only way you are judged. I made horrible grades, and am sorry I didn't get some help in study habits, and retaining what I learned.

I have followed the Horns on the football field for low these many years. I came to UT with sense of pride, as my parents had moved from Midland, Texas to New York City~ I know, they moved, remember what I said! I stayed in Texas, at least mentally. I got to the University of Texas via Colorado College, in Colorado Springs. I was lucky to end up in Austin, in 1956. I found my life long home.

When we have had lean years (I would say 1-9 is pretty lean.. that happened my first fall in Memorial Stadium.) Enough to make you wonder! But mostly, the Longhorns have been winners. I have been lucky enough to be in the stadium every one of the years in between. This year, because of Breast Cancer treatments, I am listening to Craig and Keith on the radio, and watching our games on TV. It has been a hard season, not only for the Longhorns!!!! We will all survive!!!

We are having a really bad year this year. I know it will pass and I know they will right the ship. Don't lose faith in the Longhorns... you will see a better attitude, and a better effort because of this year. I know, we need the bad to appreciate the good. That is the way it is in life. Believe me, I know.

Guess Who Came to Visit? Breast Cancer

2010-08-28T08:40:00.002-05:00

Yes, May 21, 2010 was the day I found the tumor and the journey began. June was spent in Dr.'s offices, having tests and biopsies, and bad news.

June 30, we went to Seton Hospital, and a double mastectomy. I opted for that, as I didn't want to go through the operation again, and all the Chemo that followed. Pretty tough for someone in their mid seventies. But, we made it.

Chemo began 3 weeks later, July 21st. OMG, that big treatment (4 of them) is a tough one. There are things that happen to your body you never thought would .. and although it is a white cell grabber, you do get back to a decent level before the next treatment. (3 weeks apart) My first treatment my cell count a week later was .5. I felt as if someone had beaten me up and left me to walk home! The second treatment it went down to .6 and believe me, I thought it was much higher.

First treatment was rough. The second one so far has been a lot easier. I am going in Wednesday for my 3rd, and it may sound weird, but I am looking forward to it.

It kills cancer cells. Yes, it kills some good ones too, but at least a healthy body can regenerate those cells. The day after the injections you get a shot to help build white cells. Mine went from .5 to 10.8 before second Chemo. I will find out Wednesday what they are this round.

Although it is a mean 3 months, it gets better they say. My next round will be once a week, for 12 weeks, then Radiation. Long way to go, but I just like to think about today. Although weak, I do feel pretty good. Have an appetite, and that is good. Protein is good for getting back your strength.

I have a hard time with the 60 oz of liquid a day. I try, but ...

I have had a little problem with the stitch area on the right side, and have been on antibiotics for 10 days and am back on them again for another 5. You see, with no immune system, you don't want to get an infection.. I stay home most of the time. Went out to a store and had some fun after my first treatment, but it is scary, and not worth it!!!

Well, I am nearly 1/2 way through the first rounds, and am determined to beat this nasty disease. I will give it all I have, and there has been a lot of help. Prayers, cards, emails, and just a lot of great help. I could never thank my son for all he has done. He has been there every day since this all began. What a lucky mom, to have someone who does so much. Thanks John, you are the best.

Jake WINS first outing with Orioles!!!

2010-06-13T11:28:00.002-05:00

Granddaughter Brittany's husband.....Way to go Jake!!!

Arrieta victorious in Major League debut

By Noah Rosenstein / MLB.com

06/10/10 9:58 PM ET

BALTIMORE -- In the Major League debut of highly touted right-hander Jake Arrieta, the Orioles put together their best effort in weeks and came out with a 4-3 win over the Yankees in front of 27,064 at Camden Yards.

Arrieta pitched a 1-2-3 inning to begin his career, which apparently ignited the O's offense. In the bottom of the first inning, they scored two runs on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Ty Wigginton and a single by center fielder Adam Jones. They got help from Yankees starter A.J. Burnett, who hit two batters and threw a wild pitch that allowed runners to advance to second and third before Wigginton's sacrifice.

Arrieta got his first Major League strikeout in the second inning, but he also gave up his first hits and first run. Second baseman Robinson Cano ripped a one-out double down the right-field line and, after Jorge Posada went down swinging, Curtis Granderson smacked an RBI triple to the same corner.

After Arrieta issed his first walk as a big leaguer, Derek Jeter made him pay with an RBI double to left field. Catcher Matt Wieters almost got Chad Moeller at the plate, but the run stood and Jeter went to third on the throw. Nick Swisher lofted a 2-0 fastball to the warning track in center field, scoring Jeter and giving Arrieta his first deficit. Second baseman Scott Moore tied the score in the fifth with his first homer of the year, a 394-foot shot to right-center field.

Arrieta worked himself in and out of his worst jam of the game in the sixth inning. He gave up a leadoff double to Jeter and intentionally walked Cano and Granderson. With the bases loaded and two outs, he fanned Marcus Thames and drew a roar from crowd.

It seemed the O's hitters found new life every time Arrieta turned in an impressive inning. They followed his bases-loaded strikeout with a go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth. Luke Scott tripled on a fly ball to the warning track in right field that Swisher barely missed. Jones made it a 4-3 game on a double to the right-center gap, putting Arrieta in line for the win.

Noah Rosenstein is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

PLEASE HELP THE HOSPITAL!!!

2010-05-25T14:21:00.002-05:00

We are trying to help John get to his goal to help the Children's Hopsital. PLease read below, and go to the link. Even if you can only donate a few dollars, please help with this noble cause! Thanks so much!! ATF

From John:

Thanks to my friends and supporters, I've already raised $825 toward my goal of $3500 for The Children's Hospital Courage Classic. We have only 70 days left!

A few weeks ago, I sent out an email to tell you that I will be riding between 150 and 210 miles in The Children's Hospital Courage Classic in July. But that's nothing compared to the challenges many of the children will or has faced. See my page for the Courage Classic http://www.couragetours.com/2010/john

A friend of mine told me that they were not going to be able to donate this year because they did not have enough money. Maybe you feel the same way? Let me try to break this down in a simple way. The amount I am trying to raise this year has nothing to do with how much you give. It is true that I have an aggressive goal but that does not mean that you have to give hundreds of dollars.

If every person I knew was able to give $5 dollars, we would be able to reach my goal. I say "we" because when you give, you become part of what makes a difference. The reality is this...no amount is too small. Not to give anything is too big. $5 dollars is giving up a Starbucks fancy coffee, Some can give more; if you can, please help me. If you can only spare a little, your sacrifice will not go unnoticed. A young child receiving help will be in part because of you.

This is the link to my page: http://www.couragetours.com/2010/john
If you don’t want to give online, you can use this form to submit a donation: http://www.couragetours.com/atf/cf/%7B87e66499-4099-49f9-8648-f7c16ea08835%7D/DONATION%20FORM_2010_OFFLINE.PDF

I need your help to reach my goal. You can check out my Courage Classic Rider page to see why this ride means so much to me. The Courage Classic starts July 31. I'll be riding 157-210 miles through Summit and Eagle Counties, including climbing Vail and Fremont Passes.

Your support will help me climb those hills and push through the muscle burn that goes along with it. But more importantly, it will help the parents and children whose lives are touched by The Children's Hospital http://www.couragetours.com/2010/john

Thanks again for your consideration,

John

http://www.couragetours.com/2010/john

Jay at the Museum

2010-04-04T12:12:00.002-05:00

When he was in the Marines. 1943

He had an interview and it is in the Museum in Fredricksburg, TX. We are proud of our veterans. All of them! God Bless them.

THANK YOU MASSACHUSETTS

2010-01-21T11:50:00.003-06:00

Just about the time I thought we were going to have to wait until November 2010 for some SLOW DOWN of Democrat agenda, lo and behold... a miracle happened. Our neighbors to the East did something most Americans had only hoped for. ELECTED a vote that will stop the train wreck in Washington.

In November we all need to take a look at who is representing us. R and D . It has very little to do with party, more, ideals.

We have had our Tea Parties, and our letters to congress, and they have turned not only a deaf ear, but their backs. What the voters want seems unimportant. WELL, we better put on our seat belts, cause REAL CHANGE is about to be ....

HOPE? Yes, I hope we don't get any more stuffed down our throats by that bunch on the other side.

Come on Americans, let's fight for our country. Massachusetts started it. LET's
ROLL!!!

HOLD OUT YOUR VOTE get BIG BUCKS

2009-12-19T09:08:00.003-06:00

How disgusting. Ben Nelson is such a farce. Holding out on the vote to get money. Mary Landrieu did it for Louisiana, why not? Our Legislatures are a joke. Our country needs a reform alright, not health care, but Senator and Congress care.

I am going to get everyone I know who loves America to vote incumbents that voted for this Health Care Bill OUT. I am sick and tired of the Democrats shoving it down our throats. They were not elected to become dictators. Where is W ... he wasn't so bad, was he? At least he loves his country, and doesn't want to ruin America.

Perhaps you will rethink your vote if you voted, and will get out and vote if you stayed home to "protest". We need to take our country back at the POLLS. I cannot wait for 2010 Elections. This is scary.

Get your thinking caps on, and let's work to save America. This means you~~

November 22

2009-11-22T13:29:00.001-06:00

Thinking about that horrible day in Dallas.. John F Kennedy was killed, and LBJ became President.

RIP

LOOK TO LEFT FOR CURRENCY CONVERTER

2009-11-22T13:18:00.002-06:00

We have been waiting for the Iraqi Dinar to RV and I know there are a lot of others that are waiting also. IQD symbol. If you look on the left, I have added a currency converter so you can follow you favorite currency right here!

I have been watching the Viet Nam currency also VND is the symbol. There is so much going on with these countries, we may be in for a bit of a wait. Some have held the Dinar for over 5 years. I have had them for about 5 months. We have had some fun getting on different forums, and seeing all the chatter about the Revalue. I am not good at hunting for news, so I have to rely on the smart ones!!!

We have been quite excited about the end of this coming soon..that is what we keep hearing. One forum says one thing, and the others steal the informaiton, for the most part, and call it their own. I think it is nice to go to different forums, and just chat with the nice people, who, along with me, are waiting....

Perhaps by the time I hit enter on this post, it will have RVed.. I don't think so, but it could happen "tonight"... We remain optimistic and know one day we can go to the bank, retrieve our Dinars, and cash in. Will be fun to help a lot of friends that need help.

Heard the Viet Nam Currency will, perhaps, RV at the same time. That would be fun!

FIRST BLOG POST SINCE JULY

2009-11-15T15:28:00.002-06:00

I don't believe myself...can't believe it has been since July since I last wrote on this non-read little blog. I write, read and edit it. Not too many visitors.

I have been pretty involved with the Iragi Dinar ... their currency. We have bought a few to watch and have fun with. There are so many sites that have forums, I guess it is a pretty big deal!

There isn't much else going on. I will try to update this page when something wonderful happens. Well, even if it doesn't!

WEATHER and Weekend

2009-07-14T07:49:00.002-05:00

This is the hottest summer I can remember in Austin. Of course, I didn't pay much attention to the temperature outside when I first came to Austin in 1956. I guess I had other things on my mind! I didn't get interested in weather until about 10 maybe 15 years ago. I had a weather station here in Austin (still do) and one down at Crystal Beach. Ike took care of the Beach House last September 12-13th. I don't know what got the station first...the water or the wind. We think tornadoes were to blame, since so many homes just disappeared. Vanished. Became nothing but slabs and a few others had nothing but sand. Weather has been a fun hobby for me for quite some time. I don't really study the "reasons"...just follow the rain and the temperature! Rain has been so scarce in Austin, the cane is dying! Try getting rid of cane on your own.

Our weekend at the Super Regional Texas, was wonderful. We had so many trainings that were really helpful, and done by people who know what they are talking about. Jay and I enjoyed the lessons, and the guests seemed to enjoy themselves, also. If you look at Pre-Paid Legal for the first time, or the 100th time, you are amazed at the coverage, and the need. We have no competition...which usually makes for an inferior attitude, or product, but we have something everyone needs, and we keep it at a very high standard. Great product, great company.

One day, I would like to meet Mr Stonecipher, and just say "thank you, sir, for everything". He persevered when all looked bleak and fruitless. But, luckily he was determined and today, he is the founder and CEO of a 37 year old company on the NYSE under the symbol of PPD, and going strong helping others to deal with those every day, life event problems that face us all. I am never going to be without my coverage, and the ID Theft.

We are going to go out and make a difference! That is what we do. That is what makes us happy.

UT AND COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

2009-06-25T11:01:00.002-05:00

We did so much better than anyone thought, as we came within one game of winning the whole thing! We are so proud of the Longhorns. Disappointed, of course, because it is always wonderful to be #1.

We have a young and good team coming back for next year's run. Hope we get some bats in our recruiting. CWS Rosenblatt Statium was good for us, but we play at Disch Falk, and need those bats to go with our good pitching.

Congratulations to LSU for a great tournament, and year. I can't say they weren't the best team in the tournament, they said it by winning.

BOSSIER CITY TO AUSTIN....

2009-06-12T17:43:00.005-05:00

THE DRIVE FROM HELL. I decided to go back through Dallas. We had left on Tuesday, to visit family in Bossier City. (We thought since we were there we would also do a little gambling, it was just the right thing to do, staying at the HORSESHOE) But I digress.

We went to BC via Corsicana, Tyler, and in on I-20. Took us a little over 5 hours, and it was an uneventful trip. I got the idea if we went home I-20 to I-35, which was supposed to be a 5 hour and 30 min drive. Well.....I missed a sign (it said Ft. Worth) and took the Dallas sign..highway 80. I ended up in Mesquite, fooled around an hour finding 20 went East instead of West, fooled around another 20 minutes until we finally found I 35. By this time, we had gone 320 miles and it was a 3 hour and 45 minute trip. (should have been a little over 2 hours 30 minutes) Are you getting the reason for my being upset? We had 4 slow spots (from stopping to 10 mph, on each one) for over 15 minutes each, a wreck causing one..and highway work (down to 1 lane out of Dallas) Down to one lane around 50 miles further, and so on. I was still mad at my dumb mistake out of Dallas that took us to unknown parts of Texas...so, after all this, I got on the last leg of the trip, down Mo-Pac Blvd and ANOTHER slow trip from one end to the other. This was not a day to be out on the roads. The motorcycle riders are convening in Austin this weekend and we had half of them on I 35 and Mo-Pac either following me or leading me.

Now I wonder if I had retraced my steps from Bossier City to Tyler, and on down through Corsicana, if it would have been any slower? We'll never know, will we?

So much for trying to have an easy trip. This one took 7 hours and 35 minutes. 2 hours longer than normal. Luckily, I don't have to be anywhere for a while.

NO driving down long, twisted trails. Oh, and by the way, I did have a lucky slot. Tripple sevens, all colors, so it was not as much, But I loved it. Always fun to go to the money machine!

JUNE 6

2009-06-06T08:27:00.003-05:00

This is a special day in my life. My daddy died 21 years ago today. That was probably the saddest I have been in my life. I still think of him everyday, and try to live my life in a way I know he would approve and be proud. He was a great man, and a loving man. He was born in 1900, and lived a long an fulfilling life. Giving his services when asked, and loving his country. He received many honors in his lifetime, and never let anything change him. Ed Warren was my hero, still is. He was a beautiful teacher of life and it's implications. I love you daddy.

Today is also 65 years since D Day. I thought it odd that D Day was 1944, my dad died 44 years later, on that very special day in history. Thank you all veterans, and men/women/children who gave everything so I could live a free, and wonderful life, in a free and most wonderful country in the world. We won't forget you, ever.

God Bless them all, God Bless our beautiful America.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS WHERE POPPIES BLOW

2009-05-24T20:15:00.005-05:00

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, BIG 12 BASEBALL CHAMPS

2009-05-15T19:03:00.002-05:00

We were very lucky this year. OU lost early so we didn't have to wait 4 games to find out if they would lose, and we would be able to claim the title. Baseball in Austin, for the Regional, and hopefully, Super Regional. We have to win the Regional first.

John and I went to Lake Charles last week, and had a wonderful time. Played golf on Tuesday. We sort of "cheated" sometimes, so we couldn't actually count our many strokes. I was shocked how well we both hit some of the shots, as we haven't played regularly in a long time. I will start soon, as we had a great time.

We gambled a bit, and for once, didn't have to write them a check! Don't know what happens sometimes...I like those type trips!

My cat missed me. I think Jay did too..LOL...I know he did. I sure missed them.

We play a doubleheader tomorrow here in Austin, then next week is the Big 12 tourney, then Regional Baseball.....

Hook 'em Horns. \m/

RAIN IN AUSTIN

2009-04-27T14:58:00.001-05:00

Except at our house. Everyone is bragging about the big rains...we have had .51 all day. Sad. WE need it.

Thought yesterday and Saturday and Friday, for that matter the baseball games would be rained out. Sorry, now, that they weren't. We lost 2 1/2 games to KSU. Those Kansas teams have owned us this year.

Tomorrow night is Texas State. They play us very well, each game. Hope we win. Then Baylor and A&M. Those will be hard games. WE better be up for them.

That is all I have to say about baseball today.

THE ALAMO AND TEXANS

2009-04-19T20:38:00.002-05:00

Our Beloved Alamo San Antonio, TX .... Deep in the Hearts of Texans!

Why at the Alamo? Well, for starters, that is probably the most revered symbol, other than our Crosses and our Flags, in Texas, and most people know the word Alamo, even if they don't know why they know it. The Alamo...you cannot be a Texan and not know about the Alamo. It is in the middle of town now, with big buildings and cars and all that downtown in a city has. Yet, when you go through the wooden doors and enter the Alamo, you have somehow transcended time...you feel something different when you are amoung the place where these hero's last minutes were spent, inside those walls. The history of Texas and those men who died...we just LOVE that we are a part of that, somehow. Yes, a part of it...by being a Texan. You don't have to be born here..you just have to have, as the song says "A TEXAS STATE OF MIND"... AH, I feel so blest. Thank you God for Texas. Thank God for America. Now let's go save some of our values, and the country we love!

Alamo WHERE 189 Texicans HEROS TO US ALL, fought 1,000’s of Santa Anna' Mexican troops. 173 years ago
A Line was drawn in the Sand..step across the line, and leave, or stay and fight with me. Travis knew after there were no support troops coming, that they would all die. They chose to stay and fight to the death of each man… History of Texas, was forever changed by those few men. You can never say enough for those brave individuals.

Tea Parties are beginning something big. Glen Beck in San Antonio as I write this!

God Bless America,and God Bless Texas! What a great place to be today!

New Construction at Crystal Beach, TX

2009-02-15T10:39:00.002-06:00

Hopefully, very soon, our 3 Martin Houses will be up and installed so when all the Martins fly back to Crystal Beach, TX they will find a home. We probably had a million birds that depended on our houses for raising their babies, and enjoying the beach until about July 4th when all the firecrackers and explosions would chase about half away. I hope others will put a house up for their little Martins.

I have put one group of Gourd houses in Austin, and so far...just yard birds are trying to enter!!!! Time for humming birds also. I guess Spring is just around the corner.

I have to travel to beach one day soon. I know the house is gone, I have seen pictures of the lot with newly put sand, to smooth and fill the horrible holes left from water and wind damage. I know it is gone, but seeing it will certainly put a knot in the pit of our stomachs. We haven't had the strength to do that yet. At least I haven't. But we finally heard from Gloria. I am glad she called. We have worried about her. Her house damaged, and no real insurance. Wish there was a better way for Fema to operate. Alice has the same problem. dern

To build again??? That is the big question. Will it ever be somewhat like it was down there? That is the next big question. Well, at least we will have some activity in the new "hotels" we have installed. I believe they will find it.

Peanut Butter RECALL

2009-02-15T10:21:00.001-06:00

There is a link on the sidebar to check out what is on the list. Actually, I haven't eaten ANY Peanut butter since the scrare began! Check it out and send it to others! I love peanut butter. boo hoo I have a huge Jiff Peanut Butter on my shelf. Can't find Jiff on list. hmmmmm

NEW YEAR, NEW HOPE Pre-Paid Legal Services, INC.

2009-01-25T13:18:00.004-06:00

As we turned the corner on 2008, the New Year seems to hold a lot of interesting things ahead. Our Pre-Paid Legal business is going along well. We have met and had many interesting and wonderful people join our family. We have an office now, and it is so much easier to show the videos and do the paperwork necessary when a new Associate, or member sees the value in our program.

We have some great help with our presentations. I love the video that was aired in September, 2007. That was our first of 8 programs on Courtv and TruTV. The fact that we have 5 ex-Attys General, 2 Chamber of Commerce presidents, the ABA president, and a multitude of others backing our plans and company helps!!!! Several of my Associates are Lawyers, and important business people who see what this can do to help people who normally cannot call an attorney. I find it very rewarding to present the information, and see the smiles when someone "gets it". It isn't hard to understand, it is more, getting someone to really listen to the information. Once presented, it is amazing what happens!

I have great respect for Mr Stonecipher, our founder and CEO. He is a saint. Could I say more?

www.greatjoboption.com is a great page for Opportunity presentation.
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/nfrasher is a great page to go to to read more, and sign up on line for the Legal Plan and the ID Theft.

Come on and take a look. You will be surprised!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-25T13:05:00.005-06:00

Another year is almost done. I can still remember clearly waiting for 2000. Oh well.
We have had an interesting year. Next year will surely hold some interesting surprises.

We had a lovely dinner out last night (Christmas Eve) I cannot remember ever doing that. As I thought about it, it was just easier to go out, and leave the dishes to someone else! We went to Texas Land and Cattle, and Randy and Elliot gave us the royal treatment. The dinner was great and we sat by the fire place which made it very Christmas like. (the temperature was in the high 60's by the time we finished dinner) My two children and their friends, Jay and me, and Becky and Charles. Nice group, and after dinner, we came over to the house to open some presents. They all had something planned for today, and that makes Christmas Eve very special for us, too. It was nice.

God has been good to us. Christmas is so special. I hope my Grandchildren and their children will be able to celebrate it without being choked by PC. Political Correctness has nearly ruined America. Let us hope in 2009 we can start to bring it all back to the days we didn't have to be afraid we were offending someone when that was the last thing on our minds. It would be nice and a lot more normal. I don't like PC.

Merry Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus. God bless America. God bless our troops. God Bless our President.

TEXAS DOESN'T RUN UP SCORES

2008-12-01T16:54:00.003-06:00

Thank goodness I am a Longhorn Fan. Being anything else would just not be right. I am so proud of our Longhorns. They won 11 games! Yikes. That is really good. I know we could have had 12 wins, we lost, so, OU will be going to the Big XII Championship game. Missouri and Oklahoma were both beaten by Texas. I just don't know who is going to win this game. Problems for OU...if they don't win by 60 everyone will say they aren't as good as they were the past few weeks.

If Missouri were to win the game...OMG! Bob Stoops did all that for nothing. I didn't watch all of (or many) OU's games, so I can't say for sure, but I bet Sam Bradford never left early. Of course he didn't. The other night with 35 seconds left, they just HAD TO SCORE AGAIN...most would have taken a knee with 13 point lead .. I am so happy Texas doesn't grind their opponents into the dirt. At least not with the first team.

We have to play everyone or most everyone again...even if you NEVER play the teams again, you don't want to humiliate any of the players from other schools. Not for anything...Not EVEN the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. Thank you Mack Brown for such a great season. Congratulations on 200 wins. Just a beginning. HOOK 'EM HORNS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING & 34 YEARS

2008-11-26T16:06:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow is November 27th, 2008. Thanksgiving Day, Anniversary Day and EAT ALL THERE IS, day. Actually, I just made up the last one. It does seem weird that on Thanksgiving we feel we have to have 3 vegetables, 4 different kinds of potatoes, snacks, 5 desserts..you know...lots of food. When did it get out of hand? I bet years ago!

Thanksgiving is such a beautiful holiday. You do say THANKS a lot. That in itself is a nice thing. So many aren't taught manners anymore and wouldn't know how to say Thank you, or excuse me or let me hold the door for you..I digress.

Thanksgiving eve, 34 years ago, Jay and I were married. It was a beautiful day, and the next day we went to the Aggie Thanksgiving Day game. It was freezing...overnight a blue norther blew in...and we nearly froze, plus RAIN to boot. Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy also. I hope it doesn't, because I might skip the freezing part of the game! Thank you Jay for a beautiful marriage. You are the best! I will always love you and thank God for you.

We have to beat the Aggies. Several reasons..but the most important one is for our chances to get into a BCS game. I think the stupid polls are going to put OU ahead of us. That is crummy. But, if they blow out people, like they do with regularlity..then I guess that is the thing they judge your team by. Texas does not try to run up the score on anyone. I hope they take that into account. Sportsmanship is more important than all that other stuff. So, if we don't get into the championship game, we don't.

I made two salads today. We are going to John & Jeff's for lunch, then over to Eyes of Texas Room, then to game, and then drop into bed about 11:00. I bet we will be tired! I know I will be. I just have to worry about those salads setting up (enough gelatin)...We will see.

We went to a lovely wedding Saturday in Grapevine. Brittany and Jake became official husband and wife. They have dated so long (since High School) I can't remember them not being together. Went to TCU together, then off to Mexico together as husband and wife. I think that is so nice. They know (I hope) by now if they are going to be able to live together, and share a lifetime together. Good Luck and love to them.

Christmas is just around the corner...yikes! Merry Christmas! If that bothers you for me to say that...GOOD!

NEW PICTURES OF BEACH HOUSE LOT

2008-11-06T09:26:00.011-06:00

I swore I wouldn't post anything more about the slab that was left after IKE. But, new pictures will be saved for me to locate later (in the event of a computer crash, that I am famous for every so often)!!!

As I write this, filling the lot with sand and making things look a bit better is underway. There is a little seagull figure on the slab. That sat on the South side of our deck. Amazing...not harmed...how do these things happen? I have asked Scott to put one of the old pieces of lumber into the sand and perhaps we will work a piece of the old into the new. Well, these pictures are a reminder of how quickly life can change.

Doctor Jerald R Senter

2008-11-01T09:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, it finally happened. He had gone through years of suffering the effects of a stroke. He wasn’t an old man when he became ill. He was 84 when he died yesterday. I and everyone else that knew him loved Doc Senter. He was a giving, loving heart. Of course he was! I don’t know of too many in Austin that knew him, that weren’t full of stories about him. He lived hard, for sure, but he never forgot his friends. He gave so much more than he received. He was happy giving...We should all be like "Doc".

He loved his Oklahoma Sooners. Well, he wasn’t perfect. (I never said he was) I think he liked the Horns a little bit too. He lived here where the Longhorns live, so perhaps he had a bit of orange in his blood. Mostly he was a Sooner. He was proud of that. Always had his Red "O" hat close by.

He had very important people as friends, and he was friends with just ordinary persons. He didn’t care. In fact I know whom ever it was, he was there to help, to laugh, to share his knowledge, and his services. He had an infectious laugh…you always smiled when he laughed! No, you would laugh out loud with him! He gave so much of himself and his waiting room was always “littered” with friends of Doc. He had a great staff, and if you missed the doctor, they were there to be helpful to you and answer your needs.

Oh my gosh, the times I was able to sit down with him and just talk. Asking advice ... I will remember those times and so much more. Just knowing he was here made me feel good. And to be a friend..now that was special. Now I am going to have to get used to the fact he is gone. Well, not really I guess, because his spirit is over us all!

The breakfast gang will not be the same. I don't know if he started it, but I know it will continue in his honor. He had not attended for a while, but I know they will think of him, and talk about him for a long long time when they get together. He had a gift. He touched a lot of people. He left a lasting impression on them too.

I knew this day wasn’t too far away. He had been so ill the past few months, and the ailments were beginning to stack up against his survival. Joy had spent so much energy helping him get through his last days. God bless her, she was a saint! His boys were wonderful. I love that family!!!

Thank you , Jerry for what you did for me, and my family. Boomer Sooner..there, I said it!!!!

R.I.P.

GOLF AND RAIN

2008-10-16T08:56:00.002-05:00

What is going on? I had not played golf in 4 months. Austin has had no rain to speak of in 400+ days until yesterday.

We had a 90% chance for rain. Yes, that is a lot, but that still leaves 10% with little or no rain. Star Ranch got all 90% and just during the hours that we played. We teed off at 1:30 and about 15 minutes before the call to carts, the heavens opened up. It tried to stop for about 15 mintues, but otherwise, it rained on us the whole day.

It not only rained, it got COLD for me. My husband had a jacket in his golf bag, so I didn't totally freeze. When we got through, I had brought a change of clothes (goes back to those old tournament days, when you just took more clothes if there was even a small chance of moisture)...went in and got dry, and we ate dinner. Had a great day. This tournament is probably not going to continue, but it was for the Food Bank. We like to give to something that does some good in our community.

Well, it looks dark, and it is cooler today. I think I will wear slacks!

Must be getting closer to winter. (at least for a day or two)

Horns play Missouri this Saturday. We are number 1, regrettably...I say that because it is too early in the season to be ranked so high..you get that bullseye on your back, and it makes it tougher. We will have 4 more hard games, and a couple that will be difficult. (the rest are tough)
Perhaps we will surprise, and win them all. Now, wouldn't that be special? One at a time.

Oh, another thing. I figured how to break the drought, at least in Austin. Schedule this golf tournament. Yesterday, 2" recorded, 3 or so years ago 5" during same tournament. Pretty high odds that it will rain. Schedule every month. Dry yards go away. See how simple it is to solve problems? And cheap.

What's Left of Crystal Beach

2008-10-13T16:03:00.007-05:00

PLEASE click on picture to make it larger

It is hard to believe it has been a month since that dirty old Ike rumbled in and through our small community. It is also hard to believe that nothing much is left. We got a picture last night from the insurance adjuster. Not a pretty picture. The leaning telephone pole was at the rear and to the street, of our property. Gulf to the front. If you can see in the picture I upload, there are 2 to 3 short pilings left and about the back 1/3 of the slab is gone. The picture was taken from a neighbor's home....Steve T. Wow, it is just barren. The road to the left broken, is the street to the side of our home. Gulf in front.

Well, here it is, and hopefully I won't be putting anymore pictures until it is in the rebuilding stage. We loved it down there...So did everyone else. Luckily we knew our little house for 10 years. Enjoy every day, you never know. God Bless everyone involved.

Views toward Gulf from Robin & John's deck

2008-09-28T17:20:00.004-05:00

The pictures show the wreck that once was a pretty nice community! The second looks toward gulf over to Kenlyn. Nothing left of our house, and many inbetween! Thanks Robin for the pictures. God Bless you.

More Sandy Shore Pictures

2008-09-28T17:12:00.003-05:00

Robin K sent these and as you look toward Gulf, there were houses wall to wall just 2 weeks ago. I wonder how long it will be before it is up and going again?

Sandy Shore Subdivision AFTER IKE

2008-09-28T17:06:00.003-05:00

Robin K sent these pictures today. We just cannot believe that everything (for the most part) is gone. There is a house here and there, but I would say 95% are gone. We pray for those who lost it all...we pray for those who lost their jobs. Crystal Beach as we knew it will never be the same. Doesn't that just seem like a bad dream? Pictures don't lie. We spent a lot of time in that little cabin!!!

CRYSTAL BEACH, BOLIVAR PENINSULA

2008-09-21T14:18:00.007-05:00

Second picture shows how far back the waves went. 20 feet or so? The first one ...at least there are some homes left. Ours was slabs and sand.

It has been 8 days, now, since IKE swallowed up Bolivar Peninsuala. We are all still in shock, and no one knows what is going to happen next.

http://www.khou.com/video/caught-index.html?nvid=282706

That is a 32 minute helicopter flight to the Peninsula, and it just shows the totality of the destruction. You cannot imagine how horrible it was. I am glad I wasn't there...because as Gov. Perry said..."almost certain death" if you stay.

A lot of Crystal Beach people are spread out over the state. It will never be the same, no matter how long it takes....There were 110 houses in our little 5 street subdivision. All but 4 are GONE!

Where does everything go? There are big items from houses, and of course, the never to be seen little treasures everyone keeps close. I had little reproductions of the ferries...I know they will never be replaced, as the man who made them died, and I believe his wife probably had the parts, in CB. Oh well..those are just things. Perhaps we can all stop, and think about the changes that people who worked in Crystal Beach, and the Peninsula, are experiencing. NO JOBS, no businesses to work for..no home left. Yikes, it is all so overwhelming. The pictures are of Bolivar, it is hard to tell where..but you can see the work ahead of us, and the people who will come in and help repair the erosion. There is talk of a bird sanctuary. I don't think Galveston County will want to give up so much tax base, to have a home for birds. No one knows, but I am betting in a year or so, homes will begin to reappear, and stores, and life. As with all tragedy, there is hope, and new life.

I am going to stop writing about his some day. For now, it helps to write to myself and remember. Don't mess with Mother Nature... God help those who need support right now.

CRYSTAL BEACH AFTER IKE

2008-09-14T16:06:00.006-05:00

credit: David J. Phillip

The Beach House Thursday morning would have looked like this. (Middle Picture, flags waving and a smile on her face!)

Ike arrived, and the whole place went away. It is so hard to believe all this.

I found these pictures on the Crystal Beach.com page.

Folks, this is amazing. You can see that the first 8-10 rows were virturally wiped out! We had a house on the 2nd row.

It looks like a bomb was dropped on us.
The first 5 rows are nothing but sand from the beach.

The next rows are spotty at best.

We were so lucky...we did get to enjoy our little cabin for 10 years. What fun and good memories. We loved the little house and it had been the one I had wanted since I first visited Crystal Beach with my Sister-in-law.

We were able to buy it, and make up for the saddness of losing our beloved 417 Ranch of 19 years. It took a place in our hearts, like the Ranch had done years before. Luckily we don't think there are too many who were injured or worse.

Things are nice...we value our possessions, we grab our pictures, we try to save as much as possible if we have time...but saving your life is the best move. Several people got caught on Bolivar Peninsula because the storm surge was 10 hours ahead of the storm. They were trapped. Now where does that house and possession go if you die? Someone asked if they could help board up the house..as it ends up, boarding wouldn't have done one thing. We have never seen anything like this in our 10 years there...the natives say there hasn't been anything like this perhaps since 1900. Rumor has it 4 weeks for electricity...and they may not let us live on Bolivar again. hmmmmm interesting days ahead.

(Thanks to David J. Phillip for the pictures of Ike's dirty deed) .

Beach House, RIP

IKE & CRYSTAL BEACH, TEXAS

2008-09-13T08:52:00.006-05:00

As of now, 8:52 am Saturday September 13th, things don't look good for the people on Galveston Island, and Bolivar Peninsula. Ike came roaring in last night with all the furry wind and rain can give. You have seen the pictures, and it doesn't look good. I am having problems uploading pictures.

First of all, from other storms, you notice something rather interesting...no dunes. The gulf and the beach look so different when the dunes have been washed away. I guess dunes are good for every day high tides, and serve as a small barrier between homes and water...but, they are like putting sugar in water..they don't last long.

We don't know what to expect from this storm. Perhaps if everyone is safe, that will be the best news from last night's terror. Homes can be rebuilt. Possessions can be replaced. Well, most can. We have some things in our little cabin that would be sad not to see again, but at least we had them for a long time. I worry more about Alice, and Gloria, Lola, Kathy and the people we know in our towns around Bolivar. Talked to Alice yesterday, and they had gone to Winnie to seek higher ground. I hope she will call today to let us know they made it through the storm. Can you imagine the 1900 storm? No warning, no sea wall...whew...it is scary to think of.

More on this later. God Bless and help all of those who will need to start again.

IDENTITY THEFT the Number 1 Crime in America

2008-09-08T19:16:00.006-05:00

We just returned from Las Vegas. (yes, I did gamble a bit, but the most important thing was) We had a nice time, and learned a lot about Pre-Paid Legal Services, and Identity Theft.

The author of The Silent Crime, Michael McCoy, talked to us about his studies. He said IDT is the fastest growing crime in America, and Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. coverage is THE BEST of all the coverages. Some cover Credit and promise 1 million dollars if you lose money...It is great as far as it goes but....

There are 5 areas that Pre-Paid Legal covers. (with Kroll, another 35 year old company) Social Security, Credit Cards, Medical, Driver's License, and Character. We have a very affordable service at $ 15.95 stand alone, or $9.95 added to a $26 Legal Plan. If you don't know what I am talking about, go to www.greatjoboption.com

Mr. McCoy was telling us that the thieves are creating people..yes! They take SS# from one person, the DL from another, the Medical from another, then they put it all together as a person. It is very interesting how far these people have gone. One problem, they cannot find them fast enough to keep YOUR IDENTIFICATION from being used. Once it is breached, it goes to perhaps 50 different users. Workers from other nations need a way to work. The easiest way is to buy a SS#...that is simple enough...but now, every 3 months, when the employer has to check ID's again, they have to pick up another number to see them through. This is getting to be a real problem for the illegal alien that need papers. So, what can we do about it?

Not much on prevention, except the few obvious precautions. With Kroll, you are monitored every day, very often during the day, and are notified immediately by email, or letter, if you don't have email, when there is activity. Sometimes it is your activity, then you can ignore the warning...but when it isn't you, you can call and get the process started immediately. When your ID is stolen, you will have a friend in Kroll. They are the leaders in this field. They wedded Prepaid Legal, so when it happens you will have legal help. Kroll does all the work, keeping you at work, and they don't stop until your credit is back to what it was before the theft. That is awesome. Most companies give you a do it yourself kit, and send you on your way, with telephone support. Ask someone how many hours it takes to restore your credit. And..while you are at it, ask how much money it costs! Time and Money...do you have enough to waste on something someone else could be doing??? Think about it.

Look into the service, and then call Legally Yours at 512 454-4544. We will be happy to help you understand the service. Click the Identity Theft flashing banner to your right....

GUSTAV the GREAT!

2008-09-01T10:10:00.004-05:00

We are watching the weather closely. OUR beach house isn't very far from this area, and I am interested in Wednesday weather, as I leave on an airplane! I don't like to fly, so it will be interesting.

One flight, a few years ago, my husband told me to look out the left window..(it was sunny and bright) as we took off I peeked at the RIGHT, over Morris Williams Golf Course....he was correct, look left...it was dark, and lightening and...well, I looked out the left window until we got out of that area!!!!

These hurricanes are so unpredictable. They can figure pretty close, but those storms have a mind of their own. Let us hope no one is hurt or worse, today and beyond.

Mississippi is being blown around as I type this, and I guess we will have this for a few more days.

Come on Gustav....get outta here!!!!

WELL IT IS OFFICIAL...

2008-08-29T16:40:00.004-05:00

Geoffrey is home! Back from Qatar! I know he will appreciate, even more than ever, all America has to offer. When you are away..even on a trip..coming back to USA is a wonderful feeling. We are the luckiest people in the world. Being in the Air Force, I think Geoff has learned a lot about respect for his flag and his country. He became a man in basic training, and he makes us very proud. I got a blast message the other evening (Wednesday) that he was back. What a happy time for him, and a happy time for us, as well.

Another subject...

The Republican party had hit a home run!!! What a great pick for VP. Mrs. Palin, Governor of Alaska, and a beautiful woman to boot. She is strong, yet feminine ...that isn't an easy find. Congratulations to Senator McCain and advisors for such a great pick. I am excited about this election.

I am hoping we kick-boody in November.

Long live conservative beliefs. (and Judges)

God Bless our Servicemen
God Bless our President George W Bush
a true American!

GREG IS HOME!

2008-07-27T19:30:00.010-05:00

Here are the pictures===== Gregory with his Daddy ===========Holly and G3

It finally happened... WELCOME HOME GREG!

Greg is home and with his family in Italy. After being in Afghanistan for so long, it has to be an adjustment to come back to a baby who's nearly a year after leaving when Gregory III was 5 days old. Talk about surreal. I know GIII had some problems too...looking at his daddy a real person, after looking at a pillowcase with his dad's picture on it, for all those months!!!! I would love to have seen the moment the baby and daddy bonded!

What a nice ending to 18+ months in Afghanistan as a medic.

Now we have to get Geoffrey back to Tacoma, and Greg and Holly and G3 together!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, 2008

2008-06-30T16:50:00.006-05:00

WELL, HERE IS GREGORY W YOUNG III

Wishing America Happy Birthday. I think Holly did a good thing putting him in this USAmobile!

AM I TOO YOUNG TO DRIVE?

Well, you are YOUNG....
But you can't let that stop you.

Won't be long, and his daddy will be home. I know everyone will stand around and cry for 30 minutes, and over again when Greg II thinks about this precious little boy. What a happy day that will be.

John is up in Plano with Brittany and Debbie. We are at the Beach, and Holly is in Italy. Wow. We are everywhere. Does any one read this blog? I don't think so.

We stopped at the fruit stand coming down to the Beach House, and yum...the fruit is just so juicy and ripe. Nectarines are usually hard to get ripe and these are PERFECT. We will probably have a few fruit salads. I love summertime. Not only is there lots of fresh produce, there are great sun days.

OH, just looked up and saw a flock of Pelicans....27 of them. They always fly in a V formation, and of course, that is so only the front few are stressed. They change leaders often, and use this method to fly long days and long ways. I think of the Humming Bird...how tiny..and how many miles they fly to get South from their North roost. Ah, but I digress.....

Well the firecrackers will keep us awake for the next week and a half. I like to watch for about 15 minutes, then that is enough. We need to water the deck and the grass, as it is DRY down here. I think this is one of the driest and hottest few months on record.

Happy Birthday America. May you always remain the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave. I love you America, and everything you stand for.

FUN in Louisiana

2008-06-11T10:55:00.002-05:00

Left last Friday for the beach. John had painted the whole house, the deck railings, the underpart of the house, and all the little Bevos we had stuck around on posts and on the side of the house. It was lovely to drive up to that beautifully painted, and restored color house!!!!! Thank you John. That was a JOB!!!!

We left Saturday for Delta Downs, had a nice night there, then off to Lake Charles. We went to Isle of Capri for breakfast, and then over to LauBerges. We stayed until yesterday.

Had a great time. Played golf. I hit some really good shots, and so did John. We had a nice round, met some nice people, and came back to gamble again!!!! Black Jack is not my game, but played about an hours worth. It was fun. Lost..but that figures!

We are back home now, and I am so glad. We went through some bad weather, and had an otherwise uneventful trip back yesterday.

Talked to Holly for about 20 minutes on the way back. Heard G3 in the background. He was talking!!! haha! Later for that. Holly said he is nearly walking....wow, he will be a handful when that begins.

Greg2 will be back some day to see this little bundle of joy. He is a happy baby. Holly is a good mom, and that is nice.

Well, enough of this. Home for awhile, and then back to beach for July 4th. That will be coming up soon!!!!

God Bless America, God Bless our troops, and God Bless George Bush.

Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-05T08:03:00.003-05:00

I think he he was just introduced to little Chicks...he looks interested in them!!!!

Texas bluebonnets and Gregory III. He will probably be a Texas Longhorn one day!!!!!

So...

It is a dark and dreary 80 degree morning in Austin. Supposed to rain. This is our rainy month, and we can always use the rain. The bluebonnets are out and GregoryIII is in the middle of them! He looks like he is enjoying the picture taking session!!!!

Tomorrow I am going to see Holly and GregoryIII. They have been so busy that it has been since December! That isn't right!!!! We will have a great visit, and then have the rest of the week to think about the visit! It isn't every day that you are a Great Grandmother, right? I am blest with 2 children, 3 Grandchildren, and 1 Great. This little family is growing!

I will get back onto the blog and write about our visit.

The Beach weather station was not working properly, so we went down last week and of course, the salt air had messed up two of the sensors. I wasn't getting a reading on rain gage, and on the anenometer. I think that is how to spell it...Wind direction and speed sensor. The poor wind sensor needed WD40 and water, and about 3 hours. It finally started working, and is still working. The rain gage had to be replaced. I did that, put in new batteries, and it works! It is always an interesting find when one of the sensors doesn't work. I left about 20 batteries down there for Alice to replace bad ones...while we are gone. She is very helpful and pretty darn smart, since all the computer experience has been over the phone, resetting everything. Thank you Alice...thanks a bunch!

We will go back for Memorial Day and hopefully it will be working perfectly! I usually fix what has happened, come home and find that about an hour before we left the thing was stopped for some reason. Oh well. So much for weather stations!

Anything Weather is a great service, and Gregg is very helpful when things go awry.

A BLESSED EASTER DAY

2008-03-23T13:38:00.002-05:00

Today is Easter Sunday. The earliest in many a year and we probably won't be here for the next early Easter! 90 years, I think.

We are watching Texas play Miami in NCAA Basketball tournament. Right now, Texas is ahead.
Baseball this week, Texas played Texas Tech. We won 2 games. Not too bad, but we have to sweep some to win Big 12 South.

Last week we were in Oklahoma City for the Pre-Paid Legal convention. Lots of fun, and lots of new information. Jay walked a lot and did very well. He is slowing down and has to use his cane now to get along without teetering!!!!

Hope Geoff and Greg are safe, and having a meaningful Easter. Both are not Christains, but at least they might think about Easter.

Well, we have lots to be grateful for, and Easter is just a reminder of who we are and where we came from. As Joy says, "I am the daughter of a King. All things are possible through him."

Oh What A Beautiful Morning

2008-02-25T16:51:00.002-06:00

You would never know today was a February day. 86 degrees in Austin today. Wow! I guess tomorrow will bring us back to February thinking. It won't be as nice, and we will have to wait a few days to get back to 70's.

We are getting ready to go to Oklahoma City. I have been to Oklahoma one other time in my life, when we went to Gene Autry, OK to see the museum about 2 years ago. It was a fun trip, and of course, to see good old Gene Autry things was fun. I got a crazy urge to record all his movies and all the Gene Autry Shows. I have done them all. 93 movies, and 91 Gene Autry Show. Our guest bedroom looks like a Gene Autry museum of DVDs. Oh thank heaven for The Western Channel on DirecTV. Speaking of...we got our HD receivers, and are watching great tv lately. Sports will be the best. Texas Basketball is awesome, I can only imagine what football will be.

Sure proud of my Grandsons. One will be in Qatar for 8 months or so, and the other is a Medic in Afghanistan. He will come to Texas in spring of 2009 to study to be a nurse in San Antonio. Then will be stationed right across the street from his brother. You could not get that even if you begged! My medic grandson is going to stay in the Army another 4 years. By then, it will be easier to just retire as an Army Nurse. I bet he wants to be a Dr. before it is over! The retirement from service is pretty good, and he will be 39 years old. He was 19 when he entered right after 2001 Trade Center bombings. God love him!

Well, we saw the first baseball game at Disch Falk Field this weekend. The new stadium is awesome. Looks like a ballpark for sure! Dark green seats, and paint on the walls and it all looks wonderful. There are about 25 (I am guessing, but there are a lot) boxes above the last row of seats, and a new net in front of homeplate section...no poles. Yipee!

I don't know, but I think Texas has about as good facilities as anyone in the country. Our football field is a project that will never end. We have begged for baseball to be updated. FINALLY...

I am sure I will write again soon, so I am out of here! bye bye...

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

2008-02-03T15:55:00.000-06:00

Here it is, Super Bowl Sunday. That means, the end of a season except for a few more "reward" games. I love football. I am sad when the season is over, but, BASEBALL at UT is coming up soon. We have a late start this year, a new stadium and lots of hope. Several of our good players from last year weren't drafted as high as they wanted, and decided to return to us. I am so glad as we have a chance to go to Omaha.

Weather is wonderful. 70's for past 4 days. More to come.

I have absolutely nothing to say except more news later.

AT THE BEACH 54 DEGREES!

2008-01-17T07:55:00.000-06:00

We got down here yesterday so I could fix my new Internet connection and weather station! I am sure I get lucky sometimes, as it did work, and the weather is off and running. That makes me so happy. I have always wanted to see what the wind gusts are when a hurricane is nearing..

It was so cloudy and horrible when we left Austin yesterday, and before we got here it was sunny and wonderful. NO WIND, that made for a lovely winter day. I guess this is the best time to come to the beach, if you don't want to be around anyone! There were 6 other people in the restaurant last night.

We had the best dinner. All the oysters you can eat...fixed about 7 different ways. I think John ate most of them. I tasted fried oysters for the first time in my life. They never sounded good to me! Then, had some grilled, and Rockafeller. YUM! Of course, I ordered my own dinner, so I was pretty full when we left the place.

We are heading back to Austin soon, so I am going to close, and since no one reads this anyway, I won't spell check it!!!

Going home to COLD weather. The front has passed there. Lubbock area is really cold. 3 degrees in Dalhart. Yikes, Go away!!!!!

Gregory W III

2007-12-24T10:45:00.000-06:00

Well, today I got to see and hold that little bundle of joy. He is adorable..of course he is!!!! We had a nice first visit. Usually babies cry when they see me. I guess that is why I have the reputation of not liking babies. I do, I just don't know what to do when they pout up and C R Y!!!!

Holly is a great mom. She takes such good care of her little baby. I know Greg is going to go crazy when he sees him again!!! August or September won't come fast enough for him. Afghanistan is so far away...but the Army has plans for Greg, right now.

Thanks Holly for sharing your baby with us for those few hours. We really will look forward to another visit soon. You have a Merry Christmas with everyone!!!!!!! Love you all (3).

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-12T15:55:00.000-06:00

Here we go again..nearly Christmas, and the weather just turned cold. 82 degrees yesterday, and today, 42 degrees. Feels like 35!

Just got back from Louisiana, I have to go every once in a while and help their economy! Stayed 3 nights, in 3 different hotels. Fun! Good food, and good slots! Today I start my "lose weight now, so you can eat everything Christmas" diet. I do that every year.

My Internet went out, my sprint card went out, and I was having withdrawals for a few days. I guess by Friday, everything will be fine! They ordered a new card, and I am changing to ATT Internet connection on Friday or Saturday when the modem arrives.

My birds are happy I am home.

My Kitty Ashby is happy I am back.

Jay is, and I sure am!

There's no place like home!

KEYS FITZGERALD

2007-10-24T16:55:00.001-05:00

A short story, by Keys Fitzgerald

I am a boxer. I came to my new home about a month ago..they chose me out from several puppies in my mom's litter. She was a good mom and always took very good care of me. I loved her, and although I was happy to be riding in a car to a new home, I was sad for about 10 minutes, thinking of my family I had just left. Then I think someone petted my head and talked to me in a very nice voice..then, I guess that is when I became theirs!

The new home is pretty good. I get lots of attention, and there is another doggie in the house. Her name is Zoey. She is a BIG boxer. She is a little over a year old. I know I will get to be bigger than she is, because my feet are very large.

I have learned so much since I began my life with John and Jeff. They have a nice house and a nicer yard for little pups like me. I can run and run and never get tired. I like to jump on Zoey and show her I am going to be boss. She lets me do that, because she is nice, and she lost her pal L.C. not long ago. (I think she is happy to have a little buddy to play with)

I was named after a friend. Keys Fitzgerald. Now, that is a beautiful name for a little boy like me. I hope I live up to the name. He is a nice man, and has just gone through a very hard 2 years. I am named after Keys and Joan, it is sort of a tribute to a fine gentleman and lady. I also know that when he sees me, and how cute I am he will feel so proud, and so happy that I have been named after him. I will try to be a good boy, and a better big boy, one day soon.

I am probably the luckiest dog in Texas. Maybe the world. I don't know much about the world, but I know I am sure loved and cared for. I am learning PawPaw now... look at the picture. (that is Zoey) my hero, my best friend, and teacher, taking her biscuit from John, and I am next..I learn fast when food is envolved!!!!!

Well, enough about me. I have to go now out in the yard. Things to explore, and things to do. I am such a little explorer! I think I hear someone coming in the door...yipee....run run run!!!

Pre-Paid Legal on CourtTV Saturday 9/27

2007-10-05T17:19:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh. The first of 3 documentaries ran Saturday, September 29Th. It was great. It runs about 28 minutes, and is a documentary on Prepaid Legal Services, and why it would behoove everyone to have the coverage. There were numerous Former Attorneys General, two Chamber Presidents speaking.

The current US Chamber President, and the former Black Chamber President spoke about the Pre-Paid Legal plans, and how everyone needs this service. ( how strong is that endorsement???) The program was so positive, and such a new thing for us. We have always been a word of mouth company. 35 years of telling one then another about the benefits of having a lawyer at such a savings. How you can get your will drawn and updated every year at no extra cost to you. ID Theft monitoring and RESTORATION. NO other coverage does that!!!!!

Everyone who begins a Pre-Paid Legal business from now on will think this is normal. As Joy put it..."I had tears in my eyes thinking of how revolutionary this TV documentary was".

If you want a copy of the DVD, please email me and give me your address. I will send one to you as soon as I can. nfrasher@prepaidlegal.com

OR, go to the ads on the right of this entry, and double click. This will take you to a page that has all the information.

Wow...

This was a fun week.

The next NEW documentary will be on October 27th. Same times and stations.

Tune in and learn what Pre-Paid Legal really is...And learn about the Opportunty as a PPL associate!

GREAT GRANDMOTHER CHECKING IN!!!!

2007-09-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

Yep, I had a great grandbaby presented to me on September 6th, in Italy. That is where the parents, Gregory and Holly are stationed. The beautiful part, Greg got to be with his wife and hold the baby boy, right after he was born. What a lovely experience. I am sure he was grateful to the Army for letting him come back from Afghanistan to share that with his wife.

First babies aren't the favorites, but they tend to be the most emotional births. You watch a baby grow for 9 months, and suddenly, there is a real person in your arms. Tiny, and helpless, but non-the-less...a beautiful human being that you have helped create. What a thrill. What a neat thing for me, too. I have never been a Great Grand Nan before. I am speechless.

Perhaps the baby, being born in Italy, will go back some day, many years from now, and see where his birth took place. I think there was a pile or two of Texas soil somewhere so he could say he was born in Texas, later in his life. He will want to brag about that someday, I am sure. I thought that was so clever to send Dirt from Texas. I would never have thought of that.

He is a good baby, Holly says. They can be interesting. They are all different..so it is fun to see which "kind" you are given!!!

Happy Birthday, G3, and God Bless you and your parents.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN

2007-08-31T18:44:00.000-05:00

Today is John's birthday. I remember it well..8:38 in the am...August 31! What a nice present.
We went out to Dripping Springs, a little town close to Austin, to see about a new Boxer puppy for them. LC died, and it is always so sad when you have to lose a pet. The best therapy is to get another, and that is what we did today.

After we picked up the pup, we started back to Austin, and went through a horrible storm. It rained so hard you could hardly see..after it cleared a bit we got to a stop light, and suddenly John swerved the truck and bang...we got hit from behind. It was sort of shocking..no on was hurt, and the car and truck can be repaired. I was thankful for that.

The Puppy and I walked around in tall grass near the drive-in and after an hour, they had spoken to their insurance, and John took it all down, and we headed to Austin again. (About an hour later than we thought it would be)

The puppy slept all the way home, and then after John dropped me off, slept all the way to his house. That is one lucky puppy..the man who sold her to us had grown fond of the little girl, as he had to feed her from an early age, and really was sad, I think, when he said goodbye. After a couple of pictures of John and the pup, he went back to Bulverde, and we headed East. I can assure him she will be well taken care of. Our pets are always amoung the lucky ones. When I die and come back..I hope I am one of my pets!!!!!!

Well, John and a group of friends are going out tonight to celebrate, and I am sure they will be talking about the experience, as I am here.

God Bless you John, and many more birthdays! Happy Happy day.

I am a lucky mom to have such nice children.

By the way, where is Greg III? Come on down! I am excited to be a Great-Grandmother. Greg II is with Holly, which is wonderful of the Army to let him come back from Afghanistan for a couple of weeks. He will be there for the birth, now, and that is so important. Makes me feel so good for them. Please have an easy time!!!

Las Vegas and TEXAS Football!!!!

2007-08-26T15:03:00.000-05:00

In about 10 days, I am going to make my first visit to Las Vegas. I am really looking forward to that trip. We will have a few meetings and things to do, but I am sure we can find a minute or two for a slot machine workout. I have heard it is a great city to see at night. We will go out to eat on Friday evening with our TEAM.

Football starts in Austin next Saturday. I cannot believe it is already that time of year. We just fly by the seasons. I think this summer has been weird, as it has been cooler, and wetter than I can ever remember. We are so far ahead of our rainfall needs that it can not rain for a year, and we would be ok. (just kidding)

Son John has a birthday the 31st. I have already told him I would help buy something he wanted. I will get a card and say Happy Birthday with a check in it. That will be nice. He is a good son, and I am proud of both my chillens.

Debbie has just moved to an apartment in Plano, and is settling in. I guess the more we move, the less we would keep. I know I have too much stuff. So does she. She is giving a lot away to charity organizations, and they will be getting some good things, I am sure.

Not much else, just the heat. Tomorrow is Financial Club meeting in San Antonio. Wish they were closer. I don't like that trip alone. But..I am going to listen to a book going down, that will take some of the time.

Hook 'em Horns! Good luck to our Longhorns!

Prepaid Legal Business

2007-08-02T14:05:00.000-05:00

I am in the midst of building a group of very intelligent and savvy Associates. I find the more I look the more I see. It has been such a great experience getting to know a lot of new people, and at the same time, making a difference in people's lives. More on that, later.

I just looked, and I haven't written my soldiers in Afghanistan in quite a while. 4 weeks. I guess I am the worst pen pal, package sender in the world. I try to do something once a month, and I am going to do this week proud...packages and letters! I have one of their email addresses, so I can correspond with him pretty regularly.

Oh thank heaven, for our soldiers!

We are finally drying out a bit. The beach is doing much better, although the ground is still squishy...Austin is ok..3 whole days without moisture! The news told of 22 days in July where the day had some, or a lot of rain. That doesn't leave many sunny days.

Getting ready for football..it is all over the news, and it gets so exciting this time of year, to hear, and watch the different teams I love to watch. Tennessee, now, because of Vince Young. How dumb was Houston, keeping David Carr, and passing on Vince? Now I ask, where's David now, and how great is Vince going to be???? Houston just never impressed me with their sports..because of ownership mistakes.

Well, more later...gotta get. Bye for now.

Happy Birthday Greg

2007-07-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

July 21st...Happy Birthday Thinking of you! Love you!

Birthdays, Beach and Wedding

2007-07-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

This is a busy month. Greg is going to be a year older on the 21st, and although he is in Afghanistan, I think he will have a nice birthday...or there abouts..because..GregIII is due any time after the 20th. I hope he is born on his daddy's birthday, as it will be easy to remember..no, I think it would be nice for GregII. So, Happy Birthday to Greg, and happy birthday for Holly! I hope it is an easy birth, and all goes FAST and WELL.

Holly has been calling quite a bit to let us know how she is doing. I think being in Italy is a challenge for her, but yet, it makes her very strong, since there really isn't anyone to lean on right now. She has Greg on the phone from time to time..but that is hardly enough!!!!!

Greg seems to be enjoying his Medical training and work. He is buying books to study. That is good. He will be alot better when he has about 2 more years experience!!!!! I think that is a great thing he is doing. He was in the 82nd Airborne when he started....I couldn't jump out of a window, much less an airplane...flying high...! God Bless them, they do a great job learning to do that. Then, he decided to be a Medic. That is the best he can do for his fellow soldiers.

I have adopted 4 of his platoon members..send boxes and letters. I am sure they would rather hear from someone their own age, but they are stuck with me. I think they are to be admired, also. I hope to get a picture of them soon, so I can put a face with the letters and packages!!!!!
The post office has the 9 dollar package...I spent a ton of money sending boxes to Iraq when Greg was there. This is really nice, as you can pack anything and weight, into the box, and it is $9 ... Very good for sending to APO.

Everyone is praying for our soldiers. God Bless America.

Later this month we will go back to beach, and attend our Nephew's marriage. It will be 2 days of fun, I am sure. They have dated a long time.

Today is dark and looks like rain again. Yikes....Texas won't be in a drought for at least 3 more months..We are getting everyone's rain. Beach is in for more too, and that means more flooding!
The weather is fine..it is Saturday, and I am going to read!

CAN YOU SAY 8 PLUS?

2007-07-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

8 plus inches of rain at the beach since late Monday, early Tuesday. Yikes. We have water standing in all the yards. A few years ago, they dug a ditch to carry the water around our property and on to the little water inlet that is between some of the houses down the road. That saved us! Our yard is wet, but no standing water. We used to have 3-4 inches standing after a big rain.

We came down to the beach Sunday. It rained From Monday evening until this morning about 6:00 a.m. I heard it raining very hard around 5:00 and got up to see. We have had enough rain now, and whom ever is still doing the "rain dance" can stop! Texas has had enough.

The sun did come out some today, and it is supposed to be good tomorrow. I hope !!!!!

I am trying not to do anything that looks like I am dancing! See ya!

P. S. This is written on July 7th. Yesterday morning we had 8 more inches, and the total rainfall for Crystal Beach Cabin is 15.55". I thought it would never stop. Water is everywhere, and slowly sinking into the ground. There were more people playing in the puddles in the yard than going to beach. Of course that isn't real smart since all the homes are on ceptic systems. Yuck. I don't think I will play in the water this week. Perhaps next visit.

John is coming down today, if he can swim past Houston, and we will head to Lake Charles, tomorrow. We heard Marshal's is having a good sale down there. Sure.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

2007-07-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

The July 4th celebration has become a picnic. Why do we take such a big day in our history so lightly? We head for the beaches, we Bar B Q, and we have to include thanking God for our wonderful country, and our wonderful history. We have made mistakes, as a nation, but all in all America is the place people want to be. I haven't heard of too many Americans "sneaking" into Mexico, or Canada....or any country, for that matter. Why is that? DUH! We are the most wonderful, generous, helpful nation in the world.

Up until 9-11, no one has ever had the nerve to come to our 48 state shores. Yes, there was Pearl Harbour, but before it was part of our United States. We are in a struggle for our very existence, and we better take it very seriously. I love America. It is just that simple.

When the Declaration of Independence was signed, we were on our way. Do you know what the Declaration says? Do you understand the words? Perhaps this will help. I got this off the Internet this morning, to remind myself, and YOU, of our interesting history.

The Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

*Copied and pasted from the Internet:

With these memorable words, Thomas Jefferson, at the age of 33, laid the cornerstone of the United States of America. Though the Declaration of Independence, or, as it was known at the time, "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America," holds no legal standing, it stands at the head of the US Code. The signed copy resides in the National Archives in Washington, DC.

Fifty years later, in an 1825 letter, Jefferson wrote that the Declaration of Independence was designed as "an appeal to the tribunal of the world." The document was therefore "intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion," and the fledgling state was thus introduced to the nations among which it was destined to assume its rightful place.

To lay the moral foundation for revolution, the Declaration of Independence invokes the principle of natural rights, which is strongly identified with John Locke (particularly in Two Treatises of Government, 1690). These are the basic rights of which each individual is possessed, and of which he cannot be stripped by society or government. In Jefferson's formulation, the "pursuit of happiness" was substituted for Locke's more specific "health" and "possessions."

An enlightened reader might wonder about the contradictory relationship between natural rights and the institution of slavery. Indeed, Jefferson's initial draft included the following among the offenses laid at the doorstep of King George III:

He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither.

This clause was edited out in order to secure the votes of the southern delegates. Nevertheless, the Declaration of Independence has been cited as the inspiration for such causes as abolition, universal suffrage and civil rights.

The document goes on to list "a long train of abuses and usurpations" perpetrated by King George III that led to the decision "to throw off such Government." After all, "A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

Let no one imagine that the decision was rashly undertaken. During the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, most colonists had no thought of political separation from their homeland. But they grew increasingly alienated by unjust treatment: "Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury." And it wasn't only the monarch who was unresponsive: "Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren... We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity... They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity."

It is noteworthy that the adoption of the Declaration of Independence took place against the backdrop of ongoing Revolutionary War hostilities. When the signers affixed their John Hancocks upon the document they were jointly laying their lives on the line, since there was a bounty on the revolutionaries' heads:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

When Benjamin Franklin said, upon signing the Declaration of Independence, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately," it was no less than the literal truth.

Fifty-six men were signatories to the engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence that Congress ordered to be made on July 19, 1776. John Hancock, as president of Congress, was first, and he famously wrote his name front, center and large. He and 49 others signed on August 2, 1776, in geographic order of the colonies they represented, from north to south. They signed with ink from the Syng inkstand, currently on display at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Six other signatures were added later, the last one, that of Thomas McKean, in 1781.

The story of the birth of the United States is thrilling and inspiring, full of heroes and their words and deeds. Can you identify these men, statements, and events:

Stamp Act	Boston Tea Party
Intolerable Acts	Continental Congress
No taxation without representation	Give me liberty, or give me death!
Midnight Ride of Paul Revere	Battles of Lexington and Concord
George Washington	Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys
Battle of Bunker Hill	Battle of Saratoga
John Paul Jones	Benedict Arnold
Valley Forge	Battle of Yorktown
Marquis de Lafayette	Treaty of Paris

Celebrations then and now

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.
It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.
It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore.
— John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776 (referring to the day before, when the resolution for independence was passed)

Adams' words were prescient, even though he was off by two days. As the news spread, celebrations began immediately. In that first year they featured readings of the Declaration of Independence in public places, accompanied by the firing of muskets and cannon. The statue of King George in New York was torn down and its lead turned into bullets. Everywhere were military parades, bells ringing, toasts, fireworks, music and "loud huzzas." In 1781, the legislature of Massachusetts became the first to officially designate the Fourth of July as a holiday commemorating the birth of independence; in 1783 — the year the Revolutionary War formally ended — the governor of North Carolina followed suit.

Nowadays, celebrations include such all-American activities as picnics and barbecues (featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad and apple pie), baseball games, races and contests, parades with marching bands and Revolutionary War-era costumes, reenactments of historical events, concerts featuring patriotic songs, fireworks at dusk, and more.

Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen, and amen.
— Virginia Gazette, July 18, 1777

This about says it all. God Bless America!

SUMMER TIME SUMMER TIME...

2007-06-21T19:24:00.000-05:00

June 21st is the first day of Summer. For a gift, the rain gods gave us another spooky storm. Thunder, rain in sheets and lightening. Now, I ask you...does that sound like Summer? I have never seen rain like this in Austin. EVER! I have been here 50 years this June, and NEVER!

We are watching the College World Series. Our favorite team, UC Irvine was eliminated last night. We were sad, as they had beaten us, and we were hoping they could go all the way. Oregon is going to be hard to beat...NC looks great. They are handing Rice all they want right now, as I write.

Holly and I have been talking a lot, and I am going to be a Great Grandma here, in about 5-8 weeks. That is going, to be such fun. They already know it will be a boy and have already picked out a name. Gregory W Young III. He will be a good kiddo, I know. They tried so hard to have him, and now that he is nearly born, they are getting very nervous. That is good. Some people just have children, and don't worry about anything. They will be very good parents. He will be born in Italy...and have dual citizenship. He will be a lucky kid.

Holly gave us some names of single soldiers in Greg's outfit. We are sending letters and packages. It is so much fun to do, and it makes you feel you are helping some soldier have a minute of "fun"... The post office has boxes (not really very big, but adequate) that cost $8.95 to send...no matter how heavy. I can remember sending Greg packages in Iraq that cost 70 and 80 dollars. This way, you can send a lot more packages and I was told the smaller ones get there quicker. I think they get mail once a week, and packages 2x a month. That is a lot better than WWII...sometimes Jay said it was 6 to 8 weeks for a letter to arrive at either end! No Internet, and no telephone. It is bad enough now, so I cannot imagine how horrible it was then. War is hell, and I hope that our missions are taken care of and our men can come home soon. They have to stay until it is safe for them to leave .. Afghanistan is not in the news as much as Iraq, but they are doing good things there, also.

With that I will say

God Bless America.
God Bless our troops.
God Bless our President.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JAKE!!!!!!

2007-06-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

159

Arrieta, Jacob

Texas Christian
University

RHP

R/R

6'04"

225

1986-03-06

400K

Comments: TCU's Friday starter endured an up-and-down season, but came up
with a strong start in his conference tournament late in the year. When he's pitching
well, he uses average stuff with above-average command to keep hitters off-balance.
He's a middle-of-the-rotation workhorse type in the future, and the kind of pitcher
who could possibly get to the big leagues quickly.

Thanks to the MLB.com pages for the information about Jake.

From TCU to Baltimore...A Frog turns into a Bird! The Kiss did it...

Enhanced Scouting Report

Jake Arrieta (AP Photo/Jerry Laizure

Biographical Data
Player Name:	Jake Arrieta
Position:	Starting Pitcher
School:	Texas Christian University
School Type:	Four-Year College
Academic Class:	Junior
Birthdate:	03/06/86
Height:	6'4"
Weight:	225 lbs.
Bats:	Right
Throws:	Right
Report Date(s):	02/16/07
Game(s):	Oral Roberts

Focus Area	Comments
Fastball:	Arrieta threw his fastball in the 88-91 mph range, reaching back for a 93.
FB Movement:	Arrieta was able to move his fastball in and out for strikes.
Curve:	He threw his curve in the 74-78 mph range. It got better as the game went on.
Changeup:	Arrieta didn't throw many changeups on Friday, but when he did they were in the 80-81 mph range.
Slider:	Arrieta's slider is more of a cutter and he threw it in the 80-81 mph range.
Control:	Command is usually a strong suit for Arrieta, but it was just average on Friday, partially because of the cold temps.
Poise:	Arrieta has good mound presence and competed very well.
Physical Description:	Big, strong, durable, he looks like a workhorse.
Medical Update:	Healthy.
Strengths:	Usually, it's the combination of average stuff across the board with plus command.
Weaknesses:	He can spin out of his delivery at times, forcing him to yank the ball to the outside of the plate. He fights himself a little bit. In the future, he may have to ditch the slider and go with a three-pitch mix.
Summary:	TCU’s Friday starter endured an up-and-down season, but came up with a strong start in his conference tournament late in the year. When he’s pitching well, he uses average stuff with above-average command to keep hitters off-balance. He’s a middle-of-the-rotation workhorse type in the future, and the kind of pitcher who could possibly get to the big leagues quickly.

THIS IS SO COOL....I am so happy for Jake and his family.
Don't know what is more stressful, draft day, or trying to
choose the right College to attend. They are both so
important for your future as a baseball player. Jake is a
wonderful person, and he will do well. There certainly
will be a lot of friends and family pulling for him. The Orioles
are lucky. We will be watching all we can, and sending love
and best wishes!!!!! XXOO

LIFE AND DEATH AND LIFE GOES ON

2007-06-04T17:03:00.000-05:00

We have been to the beach and back, been to a good friend's funeral in Beaumont and missed a party in Midland. Normally there isn't much to write about, but seems suddenly, everything is bursting!

Luke Petkovsek, a life long friend to Jay and a 32 year friend for me, died and of course, we just put everything on hold, and went down to Beaumont. He was a wonderful man. So kind and so generous to those around him, and especially his family. He had a bunch of children..most I know and they are great people as well. His wife of forever, will miss him so much, I know. God love you Mickey.

We missed my good friend's wedding party in Midland, but she understood, and with 250 people in the room, I bet she wouldn't have missed us, if I hadn't called to tell her we weren't going to be able to make it. Sure..

Another good friend died in Houston. We tried to arrange getting to the memorial, but just couldn't. Our thoughts and prayers were with the family, and I know Joan was smiling at all the people who did come for her, and for Keys.

After that sobering week, we returned home, and started watching the Baseball Regional tournament in Round Rock. Our stadium is full of construction workers, and it just wasn't going to work out that we have the tournament played at the Disch. So..we went to 2 of the games, and we just lost this afternoon, to end our 2007 season. We didn't play like Texas, and made so many errors...we lost our catcher and our centerfielder to freak injuries. This is sobering, in another way, for sure. Other than that, we were lucky to be in it as long as we were. So, next year..we start anew, and try to win it all again. We have won 6 times in Omaha. That is nice. But you always think this is the year...yep, "this is THE year".

Just talked to my granddaughter in Italy. Greg is in Afghanistan, and working with his soldiers as a medic. He went to Ft. Sam Houston to study, and last November graduated. He was deployed to Italy in January, and Afghanistan for 15 months just recently. They are having a little Gregory and it is an exciting time for them. You know how much the men and women in the service sacrifice when you see the families growing without the husband being at the birth. The Army is good about letting the father's get home to see their wife and new baby, though. He will do that after the birth. Her mom will come spend a few months in Italy with her, so that will be nice. She thinks August, now. Lucky her.. a month ahead of first prediction. Good Luck Holly and Greg..we love you both. God hold you safe, both of you.

Haven't heard from Geoff, he is in Tacoma at McChord AFB. He is doing well in the Air Force, and seems to have found a home. He will do what ever he wants in the service. He is that good.

Havent played any golf in ages...seems more rain and what ever..keeps me in. It rained 4 inches here last night, and we are Lake Full around Austin this summer.

Nothing else...Isn't this enough???? Hook 'em Horns! God Bless America! God Bless our troops. Here and in harm's way. Come back safe.

MEMORIAL DAY

2007-05-27T07:38:00.000-05:00

Here we are sitting at the Beach House, enjoying our view of the gulf. It is churning this trip, as I THINK there are several storms brewing. This is hard to see, but there are many people on the beach, and not too many swimming. I think that is smart!!! We are flying our flags to honor the military men that have given their lives for us, and for the men and women that are serving today. Jay is out hanging the flags again, yesterday was so windy I took them down last night as I figured we could save 12 hours of whipping! Today is much nicer, and the sun is out! We had mostly cloudy yesterday. As you can see, the flags are straight out from their poles!!!! It was hard to stand yesterday.
Perhaps this time next year, our troops will be victorious in helping the Iraqi people take over their country from the terrorists, and Afghanistan will be finished, also. God Bless our troops. God Bless America and God Bless President Bush. The most beautiful flag in the world, flying poudly at the Beach House. Have a meaningful Memorial Day.

TCU VISIT

2007-05-04T13:57:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, a week ago, I drove to Plano, and over to Ft. Worth to watch Brittany's team beat San Diego State. It was a great game. Jake started the game, and although he didn't have his best night, the TCU team won the game and it was just a great game to watch. I think TCU fans are great, and of course, except for the larger number of fans, UT has great fans too. By the way, TCU swept the series with SD ST...good going!

I am proud of what Jake has brought to TCU. He is a decent wonderful man, and has so much to give. He is a great pitcher as well, and will, someday, be in the Bigs. I know, because he really loves the game, and is fighting through a bit of a slump at the moment. His last year's preformances were a bit better than this year's. You know, it kind of reminds me of our pitcher, Adrian Alaniz. He is a great pitcher, also. Slumped a bit, and is finding the plate and winning ball games with regularity. He just fought through it, like you are doing right now. It will return suddenly as it left...and you will smile again!!!!!

It happens in all sports. I can name names, but won't. Golf, oh my goodness..you seem never to get out of a slump at times. Then football, and tennis and basketball , soccer, hockey and Lacrosse, and of course, baseball. Batters have slumps. Pitchers have slumps. Fielders have their time...so, although he won't see this..Jake..hold your head up high. Pitch your game, and let others worry about balls and strikes..you will do fine. Throwing and Pitching are two different things..YOU pitch! Enjoy your college days as they will be gone faster than you can ever imagine. Life is full of adventure and fun and turmoil and troubles...College days are the easiest! Believe me...it is so.

The other night after the game Brit asked me to give the Horned Frog signal..well..I stuck up my "Hook 'em" sign \m/ just to honor you and your team. Good luck for the coming tournament and hopefully Omaha. Remember...Set your goals high..then when you attain them, you can say "Job well done"... Go Frogs. Love you guys!!!!!

Now, off to a Longhorn game with Missouri...we will have our hands full tonight!!!!

YESTERDAY....

2007-04-22T11:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was San Jacinto day, here in Texas. I waited until today to write, as I wanted to be sure...NOTHING in the paper about it. Now, I think that is odd. One of the biggest days in Texas history, and nothing. Oh well..

We drove from the Beach to Austin yesterday. We had to go through Houston on I 10. You drive right by the Monument. It was fun to look over at the tall spiky monument on the day that all the fighting took place. Santa Anna's demise! Jay said he was there as a boy scout about 70 years ago. He was 14 years old, and remembers "acting out the battle"..Isn't that interesting???

Shame on our paper for not even knowing it was San Jacinto Day.

CASINO FUN AGAIN

2007-04-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

This is funny..I was standing in front of a machine that takes the paper the slot machines give you with your winnings, and ready to place it in the slot to make dollars out of paper, and a sign hits you "IF YOU HAVE A GAMBLING PROBLEM, call 1 800 blah blah blah" Oh my gosh, isn't that a crazy place to put that sign? Not when you are cashing in a nice profit!

My sister-in-law and I headed to Louisiana Wednesday. We met in Columbus, and the husbands headed to the beach, and we headed for hell. I suppose gambling, done responsibly cannot be called hell..can it? We have so much fun. It just cannot be bad. We eat really good food, and get to sniff in other people's cigarette smoke for 2 days. No wonder I cannot breathe tonight. I have had an allergy thingy for about a week. Everyone else has it about 2 weeks..a cough and sniffles and starting with a sore throat. That's it..what I have!

We are at the beach now, and it is so peaceful here. There is hardly a sound. When there aren't a lot of people here, it is the best, most relaxing place in the world. Why people think they have to bring a dog, a motored bike, or take the muffler off their car for the beach, is beyond my comprehension. I love the quiet. NO loud music..or anything that comes with a lot of people. I guess I am getting old.

Well, we will head back to Austin tomorrow. I have really enjoyed my mini vacation. I guess I will have to get back to L'auBerge du lac soon, as it is gettin good golf weather. We visited all the casinos in Western part of La. Delta Downs, in Venton. That is a nice no tables, all slot casino. (Horse racing track, too) It was very quiet on a Wednesday. Thursday we went to Lake Charles and Isle of Capri and L'auBerge. What a nice week.

Tomorrow is San Jacinto Day, and we will be able to view the site as we drive by tomorrow.. April 21st is a great day in Texas.

Just listened and watched the Horns drop the first of 3 game series in Baseball..that isn't a good thing.

Tomorrow we will get them. (come on pitching) Good night, I am really tired ... yawn...

HAPPY EASTER

2007-04-07T09:08:00.000-05:00

Just a note to wish everyone who reads this blog (two that I know of) a very special and meaningful Easter.

Today is a rainy day in Austin. Cold tomorrow, and of course, that is always (or most always) Easter weather in Austin. I love it. Never buy a spring outfit for Easter. Just pull out your woolies and enjoy the warmth.

Thinking of you all..

CAN YOU GET TOO MUCH RAIN IN TEXAS?

2007-03-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

We are 6+ inches in rain this year. It is raining outside right now. It rained yesterday, and tomorrow is supposed to be the same. Yikes. Can a human mold? Can a human water-log? I just wondered?!!!!

I know it is going to mean a lot to the ranchers and farmers. Perhaps Texas gets so dry so when it does flood. The Pedernales River is running full. When we owned a ranch on the banks of the Pedernales we used to have floods with regularity. The river fills and runs into Lake Travis, and everyone with boats sure is happy about that. The lake came up 4 feet the last series of storms, and this one is sure to fill it some more.

No golf. Nothing outside. That brings me to baseball games scheduled for this weekend with Oklahoma University. We need to play these games, so perhaps double-headers are in store for this series. I don't think we will play tonight..maybe so...but I doubt it.

Texas beat Rice for the 10th straight time Tuesday evening. It was a good game, but we made too many errors again. Sunday, we made 4 and made 3 Tuesday. TOOOOOOOO MANY!!!

It is so dark outside right now we have lights on all over the house.

I know it will end, and we will wish for something, anything...around August!

BASEBALL Spring FOOTBALL AND PIZZA

2007-03-24T18:56:00.000-05:00

We are in the midst of a 3 game series with Kansas State. We have won the first two games by a whopping 14-2 and 14-3. They have played 16 innings without scoring, and wait until the 9th in both games to score. We had a great day at the plate, with lots of doubles, a home run, and a few tripples. Texas has a solid team, and if they continue to grow, they will be formidable in Omaha this coming June. Tomorrow will be the last game, and if we play as well, we will start Big XII 6-0. That is a switch. We usually have to climb back from someone sweeping us, early.

Between watching the Horns, and inquiring about TCU baseball, I am a busy person. I hope Jake wins all his games, and maybe we can do what we said, meet in Omaha. That would be just too much fun! Texas had a look at him, but felt they had enough pitchers. So, like Houston, they may rue the day they passed him by.

Speaking of Houston. Now, isn't that something? Carr is no longer their QB and Vince Young could have been theirs, with the first pick. He would have been thrilled, and as it turns out, so would Houston. I think their Aggie coach didn't want to show him they thought he was any good. Just my feeling about it.

Spring Football is underway again, and the Orange and White game cannot be far away. I will bet all my money Texas wins, and you know, because of the loyal fans, and the turn out, Texas will win. (not to mention O v W are all Texas..)

Well, I am so full I can hardly type. Really! After the game, we decided to go eat at Mr. Gaddis Pizza. We had not been there since Debbie and all lived here. I bet that has been a few years ago. I ate some spaghetti, the maranara sauce was outstanding. Then, 2 pieces of cheese pizza. A great cinnamon roll made with pizza crust. Then another cinnamon roll, as the first one was so good. Then, a piece of apple pie pizza. Ohmygosh..am I crazy or what? I am going to gain 2 pounds tonight. I don't even care. Oh, I forgot the 1/2 cinnamon roll I shared with Jay, as he didn't want a whole one. Gosh, I couldn't waste that lovely morsel. (I didn't) Now I won't get on the scale tomorrow.

Holly and Greg are about to have their 3rd wedding anniversary. I sent them something they wanted, a Picturemate printer. They are so wonderful. Debbie gave me one for Christmas, and I use it a lot. She will too. What with a new baby and all.

Geoff came by yesterday to say adios. He is heading to Plano for 2 weeks recruiting with AF then off to Tacoma, Washington, and McChord AFB. He will enjoy the Olympic Mountains, the puget sound, the mountains around, and all the rain. They get so much rain that it makes us look silly complaining about our little bit of moisture! My parents grew up in Seattle and Bremerton, and both went to the Univerity of Washington. My daddy was a Husky football player for one year. He said after he realized he wasn't a player, his grades went up, and he excelled in academics, instead of blocking. (I think he said he was a guard or tackle) Yes, Geoff will certainly be back "home" for my family, and I hope he loves it there. (but not more than Austin)

We are going to watch Kansas win tonight, I hope. All we have left in tournament since the Aggies lost. I was upset they lost, as they had a chance to win. But, isn't that sports? Isn't that, sometimes, life?

Til later...

Corpus Christi

2007-03-10T20:58:00.000-06:00

We just got back from a fun trip. My daughter, and Granddaughter went to Corpus Chirsti, to see the TCU Frogs play the Rice Owls last night. We left yesterday morning, dropped Geoff's car off in San Antonio, hit the road again, and went to Corpus. We had a great room that overlooked the Gulf, and the water was a beautiful blue. I guess I never get tired of looking a the beautiful Texas Gulf waters. On our way we were looking really hard for a Subway. We couldn't find one, but when we turned into our hotel, there was a Subway right there, in the hotel building!!!!!! We ate, changed clothes, and headed to the Ball park. The Hooks play in the Whataburger Field. Nolan Ryan is the owner, I think. The big bridge behind the field makes it a lovely setting!

We parked, got our tickets and went into the stadium. They knew a lot of the player's parents, and we sat and visited before the game with some of them. The game began, and our hopes were high.

Jake pitched a nice 5 2/3 innings, walked a couple, and was pulled. The score was 4-3 but Jake had 3 runners that were his.

Um...the game was a blowout after that. 20-6. I hate to write that down. Poor TCU players were sick about it. But, it was so much fun, and Jake had left Tickets for all of us..that was so very nice. Thanks Jake..it was an honor to watch you yesterday!!! Wish you had gone to Texas, I could watch you more. I will go to Ft. Worth before the season is too much older, to watch you. Thanks again, that was VERY nice!

I think Brittany loves the pitcher! I think the pitcher loves Brittany, too. (I'm so smart)

REMEMBER THE ALAMO!

2007-03-06T17:14:00.000-06:00

Unless you are from Texas, and then interested in history, you could get up in the morning and go to bed tonight without giving the Alamo a thought. Today, the seige that lasted 13 days was over. The battle had lasted from February 23rd and until the last man killed on March 6, was a battle to shape the history of Texas forever. The spirit that came out of that slaughter of every fighter awakened a dedication that would be hard to match.

Have you heard of "Remember the Alamo?" That was the battle cry that echoed from the lips of every Texican and all the volunteers that fought for Texas' Independence. Of course, we celebrated that March 2, (Texas Independence Day) and for some reason, the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto (April 21, 1836) are sometimes overlooked. News doesn't mention it. It was stopped on the University of Texas campus, at the beginning of "Political Correctness"...never mind that it is history. Nowadays, we just rewrite history if we don't like it.

I love Texas, and Texas history. The men and women that fought for our state would never have said "oh, let's just bring the troops home"...thank God we didn't have some of the people we have now, running that war. Se habla Espanol?

Enough of my opinion..Go to this website and read the story, if you don't know it. If you do know it and have just forgotten some of the events, read it. And if you know everything there is to know about Texas..my hat's off to you!

Remember the Alamo.......... http://www.lone-star.net/mall/texasinfo/alamo-battle.htm

Battle of San Jacinto.......... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_San_Jacinto

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEXAS

2007-03-02T11:23:00.000-06:00

Today is Texas Independence day! Happy Birthday dear Texas. Being born and raised in Texas, I have obtained the fullest appreciation for this state. Other states are nice. Some are even more than nice, but Texas is home, and I love to be from Texas.

When you go anywhere in the world, and you say "I'm from Texas" in response to their question "Where are you from"? They always know Texas. They may not know exactly where we are on the map, but they know TEXAS. Why is that?

Mainly because Texas is a state of mind. The real Texans, and wanna be's are sure of that. There may be some persuasion due for others to feel it. When you see the flag waving, and you hear the accents, you know you are there. There..in TEXAS.

Not too many years ago, a friend came from Florida. He had never been in Texas before, but he knew of Texans and the pride we have. One of his first reactions? "I have never seen a state fly the flag so much". Of course he hadn't ... We fly the flag because it is beautiful and it is symbolic of our State's UNIQUENESS. Yep, I would lie about it if I hadn't been born here.

So, with that, I will say again, Happy Birthday, long live Texas!

LETTER FROM ITALY

2007-02-28T14:33:00.000-06:00

Wow..got my first letter from Holly, in Italy. She wrote it long hand..I type my letters, as my handwriting starts off ok then drifts to sloppy and finally to illegible. That is a fact. I used to curse every time I would get a letter from my mother. Her hand was ok, I just couldn't read it. I used to get people at camp to read it to me. As I grew older, my mother's writing became easier to read than my own!

Holly and Greg went to Italy in Mid-January. They have found a home, and are in the process of getting an Italian SS# so they can get their Jeep out of "the pound", and begin driving around the city. They have met some friends there, so life goes on, whereever you are. I used to love an old saying: "Bloom where you're planted". Of course you can.

Now Greg is being deployed in about 6 weeks. We will surely be keeping in touch with Holly as to what she has heard, etc. etc. Greg studied in San Antonio, at Ft. Sam Houston, to become a Medic in the Army. I think that is wonderful! He puts himself at risk to help the fellow soldiers who are wounded or dying. I think he will be wonderful! A friend of mine makes protestant roseries. I have some for him to put in his pocket. There might be a soldier that would want to have it to comfort himself. I love the rosery, and the idea soldiers will be using them.

Greg and Holly are in the midst of having their first child, my first Great Grandchild. What a wonderful time this will be for them. Greg will be able to return for the birth, so that Holly won't be alone. HOW NICE IS THAT? The Army is pretty good to protect the family unit. Days off, long weekends, and time for birthing!!!!! We will watch this progress weekly, daily, what ever. Emails, and letters will flow! God Bless you both, love you, always.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2007-02-21T17:03:00.000-06:00

At least I think it has. It has been lovely for a few days, and today was 81 degrees. That has a feeling of Spring. Someone asked us the other day "Why do you like Spring?" I think it is because WINTER IS OVER!!! I just do not like Winter weather. If I had a choice of 32 or 92, I guess I would pick 92 without thinking!

We are going to play golf tomorrow. Finally. I haven't played in a month. Cold, wet and windy weather with the cold made it impossible for me, a warm weather person, to go out and ruin myself swinging..or trying to!

We went over to San Antonio, Lackland AFB to see Geoff. He was happy to see us. I think it might have been the computer and sprint card, but I am not sure. We had a nice visit, and didn't get away until 5:15. He was going bowling that evening, and we had to get down the road toward Austin. San Antonio at 5 means lots of traffic. In Austin that equates to lots of time. We headed down 410, and got to I 35 so fast I couldn't believe it. Jay said we need to send Austin to San Antonio to find out how to move traffic. We got back to Austin, and stopped at Brick Oven for Pizza and a pitcher of beer.

Since today is beginning of Lent, we had to feast ourselves! It was a nice Monday, and I am so impressed with Geoff's attitude. He is so professional, and says it is because he represents his country and Air Force whether he is in or out of uniform. By the way, Monday was a holiday, and since he is doing so well, he got to put on a T Shirt and tennies for the first time since December. I know he enjoyed that!

We are saying goodbye to February with a smile on our face! Hello March, and can summer be far behind!

Thinking of Greg and Holly. Know they will be apart for a long time soon. They are in Italy, and learning Italian...I think! I have a program that translates into Italian. I will put a sentence in this post for them. (In Italian, of course!!)

Stiamo pensando voi entrambi e che speriamo che il bambino sia bene ed iete divertendo insieme. Il email quando ottenete una probabilità e noi li amano...Nanny and PawPaw

God bless them all!

A BEAUTIFUL VALENTINES DAY

2007-02-14T21:23:00.000-06:00

It started with a card and a cup of coffee..it ended with a wonderful dinner with my valentine of 32 years! We started up to the restaurant at 5:00 and at 8:15 we got home. There was an hour wait at the first choice...so we walked across the parking lot to another. There was a 45 minute wait. We stayed, because it was, after all, a night that many people wanted to take their sweetheart out to eat!

We didn't wait 45 minutes. It was 40 minutes. That was good. While we waited we talked to a nice young man, getting food to go for his wife as a treat! We sat at the bar drinking a Fat Tire, I thought they said Flat Tire..but what do I know? It was good. I still like plain old plain old. Bud or Miller. Those are good.

After we ordered, the usual happened. A baby started crying..I mean yelling, and crying and gorsh....doesn't it happen all the time?? There is a joke in our family, that when a baby cries in public, they all look for me. hahah I think it is something in my attitude, perhaps, that sends the criers to me like a magnet. It happens EVERY TIME, so I guess it is a thing with me.

After we waited an hour to get our food and finish, we waited another 20 minutes for the waiter to bring our bill. It was Valentines Day, so we just sat and talked and smiled at each other. How lucky we are to have found one another that wonderful day on the golf course. It has been a wonderful ride. Thank God for Jay.

We are going to Beach tomorrow. Then over to Beaumont for a friend's party. It will be cold. I am going to wear a sweater thingy, everyone will be dressed up. I don't care. I am going to stay warm. We return home Sunday. Hope we have good weather (no rain or sleet). This time of year, one never knows in Texas.

Happy Valentines Day to all, and God Bless our troops.

AIRMAN YOUNG...

2007-02-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful 2 days we just spent in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force Base. Geoff graduated from Basic, and it was such a blessed day.

We arrived Thursday morning to watch the run. We lined up on the street that they would be coming past, and waited. It was pretty chilly, but we didn't have to wait long. They ran past us and although I do know my Grandson, it was like looking at a bag of blackeyed peas. THEY ALL LOOKED ALIKE!!!! I didn't see him pass, and I was looking!!!!! He saw his mom, and that was the important thing. I know he was excited to see her after 6 and a half weeks (he left Austin the night of December 19th)
He probably would have cried if he hadn't been surrounded by 891 others. That is the number that graduated February 2, 2007. Again, we marvel at the wonderful young men and women that volunteer in today's services.

We couldn't see him until after retreat.

Let me tell you, retreat is a ceremony that goes on each day. They lower the flag, and fold it for the next day's raising. We sang the Star Spangled Banner, and it was very, very moving. He was supposed to be in the frist group left . We took pictures and searched every face, to see if someone could find him. When the ceremony was over, the parents (or whom ever came to be with the airman, go up and tap their son or daughter on the shoulder, and he can relax, get out of attention, and leave the formation. Well..of course...he was in the second group. They had switched him and he had not told us!!! That is ok. We have lovely pictures of someone's sons. No matter where you are on the base, you stop what you are doing, and pay respect to the flag either by a salute or your hand over your heart. That was soo great. Later that evening, we heard taps in our hotel. The base was right across the road, and you could hear it as if you were right there.

After we met up, he wanted to go EAT. We started walking down toward the restaurant, and I asked him where it was...he said "on the other side of the bridge"...I nearly fainted...(well, not really) The bridge was probably a half mile away, and the place we were going was probably another quarter mile from the bridge. He is 23, and our party consisted of his mom and 2 Grandmothers and Pawpaw. 2 are 84, one is 72. Now I ask you...doesn't riding in a car to the closest spot make more sense than spending 2 days traveling by foot????? We rode over, and parked, walked to the Mall with the food , and he got his pizza. Whew!

We said goodbye to him when we had to drop him off, and headed for a restaurant for some real food.

Next morning we got up early enough to be at the bus pick up at 7:30. It was cold..I had a pretty light jacket, but a good warm hunting jacket back in the car. I left everyone, and headed back to the parking lot. I switched the jackets, and felt a bit better. It was 45 degrees with a bitter wind. Yikes...shades of South Carolina 5 years before, when Greg (my other Grandson) graduated from Army Basic training. We nearly froze. But, feel sorrier for the young men that were shaking facing us dressed in their camos. I don't know how they did it. Lips were a bit blue!!! (It had been nearly 70 the day before) We have sudden changes in Texas!!!!!

He marched by us, and we did finally pick him out! Debbie got some wonderful pictures. We had a very nice day. The oath was taken, and the graduation was over.

Geoff had off base time, so we got to visit with him yesterday and today. His brother called from Italy (the Army man) and wished him well. How fine is it to have 2 Grandsons in the military? MY daughter figured this out...We have all the services covered by Grandparents. Marines, Air Force, Navy and Army.

Congratulations to Geoff. We love you. You look wonderful!!!!!!! God Bless you!

"THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL....

2007-01-24T11:27:00.000-06:00

But the Fire is so delightful.." Words to a song of long ago, but so perfect for Austin, Texas today and for the past month. We had such a wonderful Winter last year. Warm and sunny. I think this is nature's way of saying here's what you missed! We are going to get a terrible storm the end of next week, just in time for our trip to San Antonio, and Geoff's graduation from USAF basic training, at Lackland AFB. It should be miserable to walk in the cold and rain..but anything to see one of your family members graduate from basic!!!!!

Heard from Greg and Holly, we finally got the cell phone situation straightened out. They had to have deployment papers in office before they would let us change phones! Holly gave John her Treo 650, and he is going to have a lot of fun (and time) figuring it out!

Kitty Ashby is curled up on the end of the bed with her heating pad. I finally got another one, as she was always on the one I used...she loves it. I guess so..it is warm and cozy on a day like today. It is 44 degrees, but...damp and nasty.

I have been making bread and trying to occupy my indoor time. Do you think I would clean house or get my IRS stuff together..of course not. I would rather go walk in the rain outside, and get pneumonia!!!!

Going to meet my friend after our trip to San Antonio. She and I met on and Ebay buy. She does stained glass, and roseries, and baby bibles..she is talented, and the best one, her mare had a foal last week. How sweet is that? I used to love watching our babies grow, and I miss that.

Well, enough for today...Check your local weather for freeze warnings!!!!!

FROM TEXAS TO ITALY

2007-01-22T11:15:00.000-06:00

Holly and Greg are in Italy. They flew out of Austin the 18th, and have gotten to their new home. I think they are going to have a wonderful time there, as they are in a new place, but already know some people who were at Fort Bragg with them. That is lucky, as they can be shown the ropes without wasting a lot of time and energy. I hope their Jeep fits the little lanes that they call roads, in the cities and towns.

They have emailed a couple of times, and wait for their housing to be available while living in an Inn. They go to the Library to get and send emails. That will end, and they can do more corresponding, with a little less effort. We are all so spoiled .. The Internet is a click away in most cases. Take the computer away, and you would have withdrawal problems!

Well, we wait to hear about their new home, and if all their belongings are there, and in one piece. Good luck Holly and Greg..we love you. Thank goodness for the Internet and Emails!

GOODBYE TO GREG AND HOLLY

2007-01-19T10:39:00.000-06:00

They came to say goodbye before they boarded an American Airlines bound for Italy, via Dallas and London. They had a long flight day. I think I was with them all the way. I started thinking..they are over the water, they are landing they are there..I have no idea when they arrived, but do know they are there, now. I think there is a 7 hour difference between Italy and the United States.

I hope they have a great experience in Italy and points beyond.

So Much For Global Warming...

2007-01-15T23:15:00.000-06:00

I never thought that was much of a problem anyway..but tonight and tomorrow make me wonder where that theory is headed? It is 31 on my outdoor gage, and wet, and icy and cold and snow is going to get here before morning.

I sure won't be playing any golf this week, that is for certain.

More tomorrow if the electricity is still on!

Got First Letter from Airman Young

2007-01-09T18:00:00.000-06:00

Today, when I picked up the mail, there was a surprise! Geoff wrote me a letter. He is a very good letter writer, and what a thrill to have our first word from Basic training! I wonder if the USAF read their letters? I know they do read the letters we write to him! Or at least I think they do. I try not to say anything that would be worthy of a knock on my door!

He has had a life changing experience. Hopefully he will do the best he can, and get rewarded for his good behavior. He made a 98% on his test that the USAF gives to all recruits. I think that sort of surprised them. Geoff is a smart man, and he has to channel all his energy to the positive side, then he will attain his goals.

Debbie's birthday yesterday. Can't believe she is getting close to 50. I bet she can't either. It is so young these days. When my mother was 50 she was older than dirt. At least I thought she was. Maybe that is because in those days, people didn't put as much importance in being young.
Times have changed, and so have attitudes. 70 is not young, but it certainly isn't old either. (I hope)

I was at a meeting today, with some of the 1957 graduates and students at University of Texas. We are planning the reunion. It will be at the end of April. There is a lot to decide, and a lot of work to do. I admire the ExStudent staff..especially Carol. She is at every meeting I have ever attended there, and was there today. Always cheerful, and helpful beyond her duties. Most looked wonderful..that is a compliament to our age. The room was filled with 70-73 year old ExStudents!

I am going to write to Geoff tonight. I imagine he would like "some mail" ..as I have said, even if it is from us!!! God love him..

God Bless Geoff, and Gregory and all our soldiers!

God Bless America.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2006-12-31T14:05:00.000-06:00

Wasn't it just a couple of years ago that we were getting ready to celebrate 2000? The New year, the Millennium and all that went with that hoopla? Well, here it is, 2007 tomorrow. What happens to the years???? They say it flies by when you are having fun.

I must be having the time of my life!

Let's hope and pray that 2007 is a wonderful year, full of love and good things.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2006-12-29T16:33:00.000-06:00

Right after Christmas every year since I can remember my thoughts turned from Santa to getting another year older. Yikes..have I had a lot of thoughts!!!! My mother always treated my birthday as if it were in the summer, or at least a few months from the Christmas presents that were opened just a day before! That was nice, as I have a daughter whose birthday is the first part of January, and it is hard to think Christmas/birthday in separate thoughts.

We left for Plano right after Christmas, and spent two wonderful days with Grandchildren and children. It was too fun. We ate two dinners and a wonderful lunch at Dave and Busters. I like that place. We also went out to Harry Hines. I love to get my calogne out there, as it is somewhat cheaper, and get watches and batteries and necklaces..it was a Longhorn trip this year. I guess I came home with a few Longhorn necklaces and bracelets. I will sort through them, and figure who best I can share them with! I have a lot of Longhorn (freaks) friends. We all love our Texas Longhorns way too much.

Grandson Greg and Holly will be spending next year in Italy. Actually, the next 3 years. Greg is a Medic, and will be going to Iraq very soon after they arrive in Italy. I think he has to be gone a year. I am hoping Holly will not be too lonesome. We will get her back to Texas, if it gets too bad. I am sure the 13 hour trip will seem short, if she gets to come back home. Good luck Greg..and Holly...God speed.

The trip was over before it began, but we are back home, and now looking forward to the Alamo Bowl. Texas and Iowa are playing. We saw some Iowa people on the way home, so they are going to have a few fans...that is to follow their team, and to get somewhere that isn't freezing, I bet. We had 70 degrees yesterday, and although 69 right now, it is raining like crazy. This rain will wear you down!!!!!

Ok, the New Year is nearly here. Can not believe 2006 is over. It was a very good year.

WE ARE A 2 BLUE STAR FAMILY

2006-12-19T15:09:00.000-06:00

Now there are two.

Yesterday at 6:00 P.M. I dropped Grandson, Geoff off at the Air Force recruiting office. Wow! He has an exciting 6 years ahead of him. I think he is going into the service with a happy heart. He has seen the support that Gregory has gotten from all, and I think he is looking forward to some positive feedback from family and friends. He was the only one leaving from Austin, yesterday, so he bussed to San Antonio alone! Probably with a little trepidation in his heart! Excitment, and anticipation...all those things that we cannot control inside our throbing hearts.

He has waited since March for the AF to find him a job. They have "job drops" every so often (I don't know how often) and the jobs that come with that drop are your choices. Finally, he got a call 5 days ago...YOU are going on December 19th, and here is the job. He sure got busy and did all the (well, most, as I will discuss later in this post) necessary things to leave.....

We left for the drug store to get a "few"things. 5:00 traffic in Austin is about as good as anywhere I have ever been...too many cars, too little road! It took us from 4:45 to 5:10 to get to the drug store on Burnet Road. He shopped for a few things... soap, toothpaste, shaving cream, soap for clothes...notebook, prepaid calling card, deodorant, and a few other miscellaneous necessaries. He couldn't find any flip flops for shower, but called the recruiting office, and found he could get them at PX on base. Lackland Air Force Base, is on the South side of San Antonio. The closest I have ever been to it, was playing golf, and we could hear the plane's roar. February 2, 2007 we will be watching him Graduate from Basic.

When I dropped him off, I told the recruiting sargent that this would be like having a baby. His life would never be the same ....(in a positive way) .. The recruiter said he joined the AF not knowing anything...and here it is 19 years later. So, perhaps there will be a future after the 6 years for Geoff.

He scored a 98% on the test. He is special. I hope the AF knows that. Even more important, I hope Airman Geoffrey Young thinks the Air Force is the greatest!!!!!!!

God love you, Geoff...you make us so very proud. Keep your spirits high, and your life going down the right paths. Foolish as it sounds..this is the first day of the rest of your life...A brand new life.

God Bless America....God Bless our troops! God Bless President Bush.

THE SLOTS WERE GOOD

2006-12-08T07:48:00.000-06:00

The breakfast was fun, and most of the people were leaving around noon. We headed down the road for Vinton, first stop on slot tour. Stayed there for a couple of hours, and headed for Lake Charles.

We got to our destination, checked in, and began our fun. We had 2 days of fun and good food. Annette's brother, Bill, came over to be with us from Baton Rouge. We like to visit with him, when we get to Louisiana. Baton Rouge is about 2 hours away..but he can get there easier than to Kerrville...or beach.

He plays the penny slots..I cannot understand those machines. Too many lines, and I think you can put more money into one pull than the dollar machines!!!! We had a nice visit, and wonderful meals. There was the most wonderful roast beef, and a great cherry cobbler..I did eat more than those two things, but they were the stars of the meal.

We stayed until about 9:30 and went up to the room..the pillows are so big that I felt I was sitting up all night. (Bill told us he gambled until 2:00 A.M.) I found a good machine, and sat on it for a couple of hours. It was paying enough to play and that is fun. Went back to it the next day, and won some money on it!!!!!

Woke up and we decided to go over to the other Casino that is close by. We spent about 4 hours there, ate breakfast, and gambled. They have really good corned beef hash there, and if you get a couple of over easy eggs and put them on top, it is a great breakfast. Bill and Annette grew up eating that for breakfast, and strangely enough, I did too. My mother always cooked "good for you" meals. She was an addict to Adelle Davis books. Lets Have Healthy Children, etc. etc. Hash isn't the most healthy thing, but it sure is one of the tastiest things she cooked!!!! Annette and Bill grew up in an Italian home. Annette told me her mom could really cook. I believe it, as she can cook the best meals...I would weigh about 30 more pounds if I had her cook for me!!!!

Bill left about 2:00 to head back to Baton Rouge, and we said goodbye, and continued our slot onslot! He is so sweet, and we have had a great time messaging back and forth at night..he on his computer, me on my phone.

We were walking around putting money in different machines..with no pattern at all..I found a machine that my daughter likes...stacked up gold ...anyway..I pulled once and got tripple gold 2x and a bar. I wasn't real impressed until I saw the total...$500.00. Yikes! What fun was that? I guess that was the highlight of my gambling!!!!! I had good luck, and came home with $300.00 extra dollars. Hey..that is good for me! I usually write a few checks. All in all..fun. I think our next trip will be in the Spring. (have to keep going to keep your bonus money etc. going!!! At least, that is a good excuse).

We were lucky, and our drive home was easy, and without any problems. Annette's daughter is in the hospital, and we went there first. Annette and I said goodbye, and I went home.

Back home, and my Kitty Ashby is so happy that I came back to her. Jay is happy too. I knew that!

Holly is coming by today. She is going to Debbie's (her mom in law) and will stop by for lunch with her Nanny Nan. Fun, fun, fun!!!!!! She has a birthday the 17th...I will give her her card today, so she can go to Dallas and spend some of it!!!!

AT THE BEACH

2006-12-05T06:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Annette and I drove from Austin to the beach. We will go to her annual breakfast at 10 this morning. I have been up since 5:30..It is beautiful here in the mornings. The sky was dark with a line of orange (burnt orange, I might add) strip just above the water line. The gulf is calm today, and the temperature is somewhere between cold and colder. (38 to be exact)

When you look out and see such a beautiful start to the day, you cannot help but be positive. I look out in the summer and I see the same sky, but in the winter, it seems brighter and more beautiful. I am sure if I were outside right now, I would be shivering, and my coffee would be all over the place. Thank God for warm homes.

After the breakfast we will drive a few miles to Louisiana .. too bad Texas won't let us pull slot machines ...would be closer to home, and a lot of money for the Texas economy. I think it would be something that we could enjoy! (probably not as much as now, because the travel is half the fun)

We hope to come home with jingling pockets. Actually, I always take a deposit slip with me, as you never know when the big one will come your way. (if I can live that long)

Off to breakfast and Louisiana..yahoo!

32 YEARS AGO TODAY

2006-11-27T20:11:00.000-06:00

Today is somewhat of a record. Someone staying with me for 32 years! I didn't even stay around my parents for 32 years!

We were married at St. David's Episcopal Church, November 27, 1974. At 4:00 P. M. we said "I do" and hoped we would have a few years together. It has been a short 32 years. We have both grown old together, and I cannot imagine my life without Jay.

John and Jeff took us out to lunch at Macaroni Grill. Yummy! And tonight we went down to the Austin Club for dinner. What a nice day we had. Thanks John for remembering!!!! (you always do)

Thanks, Jay for all you do, and all you are! My love forever!

AGGIES ...CONGRATULATIONS!

2006-11-26T18:40:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a great game the Fighting Texas Aggies played in Austin last Friday. We certainly had our chances, and didn't win when it really meant a lot! No excuses, just outplayed, out hustled, and out smarted! Congratulations to the Aggies, and OU...they will play Nebraska in the Big XII Championship game next Saturday!!! OU won handily over OSU, and congratulations to them, too. Win it for the South !

Texas has to regroup, and hope we can win our bowl, no matter what and where it is. Next year's rankings depend on a big finish for us. I think if we stay healthy we should be a real good team come September 2007. Hook 'em Horns, Go Cowboys and Titans! Vince and the Titans won today scoring 24 points in the 4th. Giants are probably in shock right now. That is so good. I sure wish Houston had taken Vince Young, as we could watch every week. I had to listen to the radio today. Good win! Cowboys looked awesome Thursday in their win.

Off next week to Beach and Louisiana. I hope to do some good things while in front of those slots! Will report!!!

A New Army Medic in our Family

2006-11-22T17:33:00.000-06:00

Greg became an official Medic today down at Ft. Sam Houston. How proud it makes you to see the soldiers and their accomplishments. Truely a wonderful sight, and a wonderful feeling for me.

John, Jeff, Debbie, Adam, Brit and Jake met with me over at Houston's Restaurant last night. By the time we got to the table, we had waited an hour, and it was 9:35 before we finished dinner. We headed down to San Antonio, got to the hotel on base around 10:40. The arrangements were made by Holly, and since she has a military ID, we got on base at the Officer's Hotel. It was nice, and we had rooms on the same floor. Odd enough...there were 3 hallways and we were each at the end of a hall...the last room!!! Weird..

I was afraid I wouldn't wake up, so about 3 times during the night I watched the clock!!! I wish I wouldn't do that. 6:00 did roll around, finally. I got up and made coffee, watched Fox News until it was ready to drink. Luckily I had brought my water and coffee, so it tasted like homemade!!!!!

We got to the Club where the ceremony was to take place. There is a joke (or maybe not a joke) that our family always looks for me when there is a screaming baby. Yep, every time we are together and we are having a good time, someone's baby starts yelling. May be at a restaurant, or in church, or at anything..and there is a screamer....doing their thing. Today was no exception. Today there were stereo screamers. What I don't understand is why parents don't excuse themselves, with their crying baby, and go outside so others don't have to hear it????? Why not? It seems the right thing to do.

But I digress..

There were 313 (I believe that was the number) graduates. Now, isn't that wonderful? These men and women put themselves in harm's way to help those who have been wounded ...God Bless them all. Our soldier was the LAST name in the program, and the last man to come across to get his ....um...diploma? I don't know what they got, I am sure something to say they had done the work, and were NT's...Medics. Congratulations to dear Greg. What a job he will do.

Thank goodness there are men like Greg, willing to go to the front lines, and do their work. I am sure there will be more news of Greg from time to time. He will go to Tampa on Saturday, and check out, gather their furniture, and head to Italy in January. This will be a great Christmas in Texas for them. Debbie is actually going to decorate for Christmas, and have a tree etc. etc. I am sure we will be there at least once during the holidays.

We went to a mexican restaurant for yummy fiddles and after a nice visit, I got on the road and headed to Austin. I had been home about 40 minutes ...called Debbie to ask where they were, and she said "On 410"...Yikes, they were still in San Antonio. hahaha...couldn't say goodbye to Vickie, her long time pal, and her son, our soldier.

Holly..keep good care of him, and take good care of yourself. We love both!

Happy Thanksgiving..Happy, wonderful day. Thank you God for all that is ours.

Then, bring on the Aggies! \m/ Hook 'em Horns!

THANKSGIVING and FOOTBALL

2006-11-20T10:05:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving...a time to give thanks. Thank you, God, for our lives, our family, our friends, our parents...and on and on. How lucky are we? I for one, feel VERY LUCKY, and very blest...

After the prayers, come the food and the football. "Mancow" was on Fox news today, saying how far we have gone away from the original meaning of Thanksgiving. The word itself should give us a clue as to what this day is.

Now, we go to the table and stuff ourselves. EVERYONE serves too much food. We think one vegetable, one salad and a turkey isn't enough. There is so much food left over you can send some home with all the guests, and have enough for meals aplenty. Then, as if that wasn't enough, we wait about 28 days, and do it again at Christmas. No wonder we have to make New Year's vows...to lose weight certainly is one of them!

Well, I will not go to a game on Thursday. Nope, I will wait until Friday...Texas plays A&M the Big XII Championship is on the line for Texas. We used to have this game on Thanksgiving. Don't you still miss it on that day? I do. It was a wonderful time to go to the stadium...usually the bands had a nice Thanksgiving theme, and the fly over and all the other wonderful things that 83,000 can share! Always brought a tear to my eyes when the missing man plane left the formation.

Say your prayer, then Hook 'em Horns!

God Bless America!

God Bless our Troops!

God Bless our President!

BOO HOO - BOO HOO

2006-11-12T08:10:00.000-06:00

Boo Hoo... waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Now, I feel better. Texas lost to Kansas State, and perhaps I should just leave it at that. But, wasn't Kansas State wonderful? They played the best football that has been played against us, and you have to give them all the credit. We lost. But they won a lot more than that game. Watch out for them..they have a new coach, and and they are playing great football.

I wish we had won, but we didn't. Now, we go to work. Beat Aggies the day after Thanksgiving, and Nebraska again, in the Big XII in December. That will get us into a BCS Bowl, and if we do well, maybe a high ranking to start next year....the stress and the anxiety...hahah

Congratulations to KSU...

You beat a good team.

We love the Longhorns.

GOD BLESS OUR VETERANS

2006-11-11T14:29:00.000-06:00

Veteran’s Day is always a beautiful day for me. I am about as proud of being an American as any one. I am so proud of our veterans. Jay is a WWII veteran, and is always celebrating Marine Corps birthday(November 10^th ) , and Veterans day with pride. He has 2 buddies from his outfit that live in Texas. One lives in San Antonio, and the other in Coleman. They get together from time to time, and always do the “remember when” visiting. It is nice to see these older men recalling their youth, and the crazy things they did when they weren’t flying. Jay was a Marine Pilot in the vmf-512^th. He began as a Navy recruit, thanks to his dad, and opted for the Corsair. What a wonderful airplane that was!

These men are leaving us at the rate of 1100 a week. That is staggering…Jay is 84. He was 19 when he entered the service after Pearl Harbour was bombed. Most of the men that went in probably had a pretty good reason, like Pearl Harbour. Today, my Grandson is in the Army, and has been since 911. Pretty good reasons for wanting to get into uniform and defend your country.

I am proud of all veterans today (and always). A special prayer for all of those who helped to make America the wonderful country we are today.

God Bless you all.

2006-11-08T19:17:00.000-06:00

My computer crashed. Not because of any virus � no, no..nothing that simple. I installed XP Pro over a home edition, and suddenly, everything went haywire. I am sure that was what happened. I had to send my computer away to a DR. and I am on a desktop computer now. I am not looking forward to programming all the things back into my laptop. It might not ever get exactly like it was. I am going to try to cut down on programs. (I seem to like all of them, and the computer is not geared to take so many)

Lots of things have happened..and I guess I could cover most of them. We have played several football games, and won them all. I was particularly happy with the way we beat Oklahoma State. We have had problems with them for many years, and we took care of them on Saturday. We venture to Manhattan, Kansas to play KSU on Saturday, and IF we are to keep our BCS standing we need to beat them handily, also. That is sad, I think, because you not only have to win to stay high in the BCS, you have to KILL your opponent. That isn�t right. But, I, unfortunately, don�t make the rules. Shucks.

Our weather has been interesting. Hot, cold, warm, hot. It is going to be 88� here in Austin, tomorrow. This is good, because we are going to play golf. I don�t like to get out when it is COLD!!!!! We will have a lot of fun tomorrow, as we play a scramble, and that is always a lot of fun for me�my game is not trustworthy (actually, it never has been) and I like to depend on my teammates. It makes you have a less stress game!

We will go to San Antonio to help Greg celebrate his graduation. He is a MEDIC now. His life in the Army will begin a new turn about 3 months from now. I will get into that later. Congratulations Greg..so happy you are moving on.

We have been down to the beach once since September. I had to go fix my weather station. I was unhappy when I got there..the Internet was unplugged. Oh well..it was fun to be there. I think I will go with my sister-in-law in December. She goes to a breakfast with her old pals, and then we head to Louisiana for a day of SLOTS! Yeah!!!!! I am getting about ready to go, now! It usually takes me about 2 months or more after a visit.

The elections were disappointing�but hey, The Republicans need to work hard and figure out what to do to get BETTER!

That is all I am going to say about last night�s victory for the Democrats. Other than, congratulations. I know you are as happy as we are sad�it is now your turn to do something. Quit all the criticism, and do something.

We love you Gregory, and so happy you are such a fine man. (Holly, we love you too)

BEING 100 AND BOOMING THE SOONERS!!

2006-10-06T16:14:00.000-05:00

We got back from Midland, Monday. It was a fast trip, but a really fun one. We stayed with our pal Sally, and went to a 100th birthday party. How many weekends can you say you went back to your home town, and your neighbor had her 100th birthday??? I have only said it once.

Ann had a nice party for Kitty Ashby, and Mrs. Ashby looked marvelous! She sat in a chair with a beautiful new dress on, and smiled at all the well wishers. She seemed to appreciate the day… There were some really funny moments in the video we watched. The TV station went out to her home on Friday, to interview her. Mrs. Ashby has always had a sense of humor. Nowadays, her memory isn’t what it used to be, but she is still the funniest lady I know! I think Ann has her humor…and knowing Ann all these years, it is probably a good thing she can laugh at some of the events! Right Ann???

They asked her how it felt to be 100. She said “I have never been 100 before, so I really don’t know… but I feel the same as I did yesterday”

That was funny. Then she told them that she had played golf until 3 years ago. Now, I know that is a big one! She probably hasn’t played in 3-0 years! Thirty or more would make her in her 70’s and since I still play, maybe it has been more like 20 years ago. Again, that is a really funny one!!!!

She told them her sister was right behind her at 98. (her sister died 15 years ago, Ann told us) She obviously thinks about her sister, and is comforted by thinking she is still here.

Isn’t it great what our minds will do when we got older, and worn out? We remember some nice things, and I for one would never be critical of her imagination. She is the last of the parents for Midlanders my age and a year younger. God Bless her, and God Bless Ann for all she does for her “ma”. Ma loves her…she just can’t always show it.

There were several people at the party..most I had not seen in 50 years. I saw Gail Black down at Galveston several years ago, but Lavonne, Pat, and Caroline..Had not seen them in a LONG, long time. Time flies when you look back on your life. It has been fun to be from Midland, and to visit from time to time.

We got back Monday, as I said…and here it is Friday. What is this week???? Well….
Here it is again. The day before the big Dallas shootout. We are not going this year. But will be glued to the TV…that is, if our company will let us! I am kidding of course, as my daughter is every bit the fan I am, and she trained Greg right, he is pretty solid UT also. Holly is probably as good a fan as there is. Brit has TCU on her mind these days, so we won’t expect much from her, if she comes to Austin, tomorrow!

We are going to have a lot of fun. Cheering for the Horns, and eating good food. Holly is eating for two now, and we all have to eat better food with her! No grease. (ohmygosh) What will we have???

I think Texas will win, but heck, I always say that. I know Texas can beat any of their opponents, at any time! So, Hook ‘em Horns, and boom the Sooners!

UT 32-21

ANYTHINGWEATHER

2006-09-15T18:26:00.000-05:00

Whew! Finally! At last! Whew!

My weather is set up at the beach now. I have been trying to get a new sensor for the temperature. Finally…I installed yesterday, and in about 10 minutes, on the Internet.

This is such a fun thing if you are a weather freak, like I am. The people who put it on the Internet are www.anythingweather.com . IF you like to follow weather, and want your own page, you will have to do several things, first. You need to get a good weather system. These have sensors, either with wires, or wireless. I happen to have the wireless, and it is so much easier than the first one I had. (wires all over the place, and into the house) Then, you need a good weather program. I have weatherview32. It is a great program, and the people who own that are very helpful and nice!!!!! You can also get all the weather equipment you need at Gregg Potter's webpage, find ANYTHING WEATHER STORE.

Now, after you do that, you will need to get on the Internet. You can do it automatically from weatherview32. After it is setup, Anythingweather gives you a page number, and you are the proud owner of your very own weather page.

If you are away, you can check your weather…right at your house. How good is that? Don’t you wonder how much rain, or how much wind, or just what the temperature is. It can do all that, and more.

I am so happy with mine, and wanted to share the web pages with anyone who reads these pages. www.weatherview32.com and www.anythingweather.com. You will be talking to Amy at weatherview, and Gregg at anythingweather. Perhaps you will have gotten some good information from this blog.

Go to www.anythingweather.com pick TEXAS, and look for Austin, Texas. Then do the same with Crystal Beach. (you will have my two weather stations!!!!)

Well, off to see how much the wind is blowing..we missed the rain today. It came up, we could hear the thunder, it did rain about 4 inches…that would be four drops, about 5 inches apart. Our grass is green, so, it has been raining here in Crystal Beach.

Golf and 9-11

2006-09-11T06:50:00.000-05:00

Wouldn’t you know it..

We have had so little rain in the past 3 months, the cane is dying. Now, that is dry! So with that in mind, fast forward to now.

We are playing in a golf tournament today, at the University of Texas Golf Club. It is a long and very hard course…the UT golfers, men and women play there, and even they say it is a tough golf course.

Last night after the party, we headed home. It is probably about 15 miles to the club from where we had to go. On the way, I rode with one of my playing partners today, Paxton. Well, they have a PT Cruiser convertible. He put the top down and off we went. We tried to follow John and the rest of our party, but true to fashion, John scooted away, and we were far behind. About 3 miles into our journey, we saw lightening, then the biggest drops of water started falling from the sky. It had been a long time, but we did recognize it as RAIN! We pulled off the road and put the top up. Luckily, it was fast. We didn’t get too wet..but oh the rain fell..it was hard to see the road, and we were on one of the curvy, hilly roads that surround Austin. It was a lot of fun. If you drop off the side of some of those curves, you only have about 10 seconds to say your prayers. Pax did fine, and we got home safely.

Dern. Now, back to the tournament. Since the course is so long, and difficult, I need all the roll I can get. John hits it a mile, so he doesn’t have to worry. It is suppose to rain today, too. Why does it always seem to rain when you want to do something outdoors? This is the 3rd year for the tournament. The first year it was in November. We lucked out, it was about 70 ˚. They moved it to October last year, and of course, that day was our first cold day of the year. It WAS FREEZING..with a wind that made your eyes water. So, this year, it was scheduled in September, when it is always warm and wonderful…WELL, almost always.

September 11th….Maybe the Gods are crying because of the horrible event that happened to America and the world on 9-11, five years ago. Perhaps I should not even worry about what will happen on the golf course today…Seems sort of trivial, doesn't it?

I will probably wear Red, White and Blue today. I love America, and I am so proud to be an American. Shame on anyone who wants to kill us. We do more good in the world than any country. Who do they call when there are tragedies? Surely not anyone but US! Actually, they don’t have to call, when we hear of trouble, we are on our way before the dust settles. So, with that said…Kill us, and you kill the world. I cannot imagine a world without America strong and helping. We need to get serious about all this that is going on. VERY SERIOUS.

God Bless America, God Bless our President Bush, and don’t ever forget what the numbers 911 mean.

TEXAS v OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY...1 v 2

2006-09-08T21:06:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, we will see what has to be the biggest game Austin, has hosted in many years. Ohio State comes to town. Actually, I think about 30,000 of them. They only have tickets for 5,000 to see the game in person. They have rented the Erwin Center for the weekend. They will watch a big screen TV and be very sad when we beat them.

I have a prediction. Texas will win 35 – 21. I will either look wonderful..or not so wonderful tomorrow night about 10:30. I think Texas will win. We are at home. We have a great defense, and we have a wonderful Offense. Our Quarterback is an unknown to most, but we have seen a young man who is a coach’s son, mature, and seem ready for the Big Time! He is from a little town that has, um..maybe 700 people. Our stadium will seat 10x that many! It will be a wonderful evening, I am sure. I think football is so much fun. Fall used to be my most “unfavorite” time of the year. School would start, and that meant summer was over, and I really didn’t like it much.

As I have gotten older, and am not going to any classes, Fall means FOOTBALL! The University of Texas is the greatest place to go, and the greatest team to cheer for. We are National Champions, until next January…and believe me, we feel it.

I went to a meeting over at the University this morning, and walking from my parking place to Belmont Hall, I could feel a buz in the air! After the meeting was over, and as I was walking to my car, I could feel the electricity. Tomorrow will be absolutely exciting!

Well, here’s to the Horns. May they make us proud. Here’s to the fans, let’s show our class tomorrow! Hook ‘em Horns, \m/ \m/ Hook ‘em!

P. S. It is Sunday morning, and we sure got whipped up on last night. Ohio State is good, and we were not playing like we can. I was disappointed, of course, but we will get better. I hope all the distractions this past week had something to do with that, as I would hate to think of the rest of the season with a "no pass" defense. Texas Tech is probably salivating at this point, and Nebraska, also. We will do fine..we have to forget last year, and get focused on our schedule. It is a tough one..but heck, "We are Texas", and let the games begin. Congratulations to Ohio State, and their fans. I know this is sweet after what happened at their campus last year. So...with that...win the rest of the games, and perhaps we will meet again, soon!!!!!! Hook 'em Horns!

FOOTBALL AND TEAM USA BASEBASEBALL

2006-08-18T10:02:00.000-05:00

Football is in the air in Austin, Texas! We are the National Champions, and it is evident that everyone in Austin is excited about that! Vince is gone. We start anew at QB, but alas, we have two pretty good prospects, and some great ones coming in next year. We should be ok. I hope we can play our best on the 9th of September. Number One Ohio State is coming to town. Number Two Texas will be waiting!

Summer is slipping away so fast. I think it is because we have so many activities, and the days and weeks just fly by. I have been fighting an allergy cold for 2 weeks, and it is getting old. I am now taking some medicine! I know, better late than never!

Things are rolling along with Geoff back in Plano, waiting to hear from the Air Force. Greg is settling in San Antonio for his Medic studies, Holly is near, so he can see her on the weekends, when he gets a few hours away from Ft. Sam Houston. Brit is going to College soon, and will be busy with her studies. Jake was just part of the TEAM USA baseball that won it all!!!! They played in Cuba last week for the championship. I wonder why it wasn’t anywhere on TV???? I didn’t even see any write ups about it in the paper. Shame, shame! Anyway, Congratulations to Jake and the whole USA Baseball team. You did us proud. I think I am going to get a baseball with all the players signatures on it...would be nice to have.

I am trying to find a countdown clock for my blog that will show how many days, hours etc. to Football…I am hoping I can find one soon!!!!!

Hook ‘em Horns, and let’s have another great year! Good luck HORNS!!!

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK and LYNN ANDERSON

2006-08-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

Home again! John, my son who lives here in Austin, and I went to the Beach House last Wednesday..I worked on my weather station …

No weather getting onto the Internet. Oh well. I spent 4 hours trying. I turned off the computer, and will worry about it when I go down after the first football game in September for Labor Day. The official end of summer, and when I was growing up, the start of school. Yikes, I used to hate to see September come around!

We headed to L’Auberge du lac in Lake Charles. We went for gambling, but we also went for some golf, and to see two concerts. Engelbert Humperdinck was there. He used to be hot in the 60’s and 70’s. I have heard his music for a long time, and wanted to go see him in person. We had a great time playing golf Friday morning. Although..that was the most horrible humidity I have ever been in. It was so bad, we were completely soaking wet by the 2nd hole. It was lucky we had sprayed for mosquitoes, as they were lurking all around!!!! After we played, we were heading back to the club house, and noticed someone hitting on the practice tee…kept on going to the place where we would catch a ride back to the hotel. I asked the Marshal if Engelbert Humperdink played golf? He said, “as a mater of fact, he is on the practice range, right now. Would you like to meet him?” I said “I would be honored and thrilled to meet him.” (all this time, I think John is hoping we could get on back to the hotel!!!! ) So we retraced our steps, as it were, and there he was..sitting in a golf cart and looking right at us. I told him “I had loved him for a long time, and it was an honor to meet him”. He was nice, and smiled..he was very nice, actually..shook both of our hands, and we told him we would see him that evening! What a fun thing to happen!!!!! We didn’t ask for an autograph. We figured he would appreciate not having to do that during golf time!!!! AND, it was enough shaking his hand.

We did see him that night. It wasn’t until 9 p.m. and I am usually ending a day about that time, not starting something fun!!!! So, we loved the show. He sang a lot of the ones I remembered he sang, and some I hadn’t heard. Release Me, and other wonderful favorites!!!! It was a lot of fun, and I think most of us oldy goldies sort of enjoyed the heck out of it!!!!! I was a little disappointed he didn’t sing my two favorites..Misty Blue, and Walk Through This World With Me. He has an English accent, and you never hear it in his singing.

We left the next morning for Delta Down, in Venton…about 25 miles down the road. We had reservations to see Lynn Anderson, at 7 p.m. We gambled a bit, and got ready for the concert. It was a VERY NICE concert. I think she is amazing. Well, so is Engelbert. They are both at the end of their careers, and although many young people don’t know them, they continue to entertain. It is always fun to see someone you have ‘heard of” and listened to. It was really a wonderful vacation to Louisiana. I don’t know why Texas doesn’t get gambling. We have spent some cash over across the state line, and it could be here in Texas, if they had casinos!!!! That will probably never happen in my life time. So, I will continue to travel for 5 hours to find the first Slot Machine!!!!!!

Thank you Engelbert and Lynn for a great two evenings, spent with real pros! So, if you don’t know them, and never heard them sing…go find them with google, or some other method, and read up..you might get lucky enough to be where they are some day. It would be worth the time!

No, we didn’t win money. But..we did win, actually!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GREG!!!

2006-07-21T16:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Greg!  Wow..has it really been 24 years ago that you were born?  It was such an emotional time for your mom.  Her dad had been in a car wreck, and was in ICU for 28 days, before passing July 20.  She had you the next day, and a funeral to attend 3 days after that.  You talk about strong. Your mom made it through that whole thing, and never complained about anything.  You were so welcomed into this world.  The birds sang louder, and the trees were taller.  Just because of you!

I know this is a special day for you.  One thing…you get presents.  Another, of course, you have returned to your beloved Texas today.  You will have a wonderful time visiting your parents in the Dallas area, then head down to San Antonio to check in with the Army.  That’s the way your life is now..Army, husband, and Army.  I know you are going to enjoy your time in Texas.  I will be happy to have you 100 miles away from Austin, that’s for sure.

Well, my brave and wonderful Grandson…Happy day… Happy times ahead for you and Holly.  The world is there for the taking..go get it!

God Bless you.

Off to old La Tapitia...

2006-07-18T18:47:00.000-05:00

The weather has been so hot here in Austin…101 degrees and more! Summertime, summertime…

I am waiting to go out to dinner tonight. John and Jeff are going to come by in a minute or two. We will go to a good Mexican food restaurant here in Austin. I first went to that restaurant when I was a Jr at the University, in 1956. That summer was probably the most fun I had had in a long time. My parents had moved from Midland 2 years before, and I was going to school in Colorado Springs. I missed Texas so much. After my parents said they were moving to NYC, I decided that the time was right for me to try getting into UT. I had wanted to go to school in Texas to begin with, but my grades weren’t the best, and I was surely not the best student..so when Colorado College accepted me, I went there. I had gone to Cheley Camps for many summers growing up, and loved Colorado, too.

The summer of 1956, I drove to Austin, and got into my room at the Kappa House. I was fortunate enough to start there, as I met a few of the “sisters” and had a great location to walk to classes.. When the tower turns orange, the Kappa House is right there..you can throw a rock and hit the tower! Too neat!

Well, a bunch of us from Midland would go to La Tapitia Mexican restaurant ..oh, maybe 4 times a week. We loved the food, and it was always nice to be with a lot of Midlanders. Later, when I was older, and had my children, we would go there a lot for dinners and good food!!!!! Even later than that, after Jay and I were married, we went there a lot too.

The owner has since died. Oh my, she was such a wonderful lady. Carmen was her name, We lovingly called her Mamasita. Nearly 2 years passed after her death, before the family closed the restaurant for good. We watched the building sit there for years..then another restaurant came in…and we have reunited with a couple of the old waiters there. Now, how much fun is that? Neto is our favorite. He is such a wonderful person, and such a reminder of Carmen and all the wonderful hours spent in that building. It actually started in a small house, that was next door until recently, and after lo these many years, it is gone. That was a long long time ago…I was very young, and found a wonderful place that summer of '56.

We will have a Mexican Martini..not really a martini…more like a margarita with sweet and sour. It is good, and they serve it in a nice individual carafe…Lots of ice and salt on one side of the martini glass! (wonder why they don't put it all the way around????)

I am sure I will eat too much. But hey, you only live once..Live it to the FULL!

God Bless America
God Bless Texas

Back now. It is 8:39 and I DID eat too much. I eat chips like they were popcorn. It is hard to stop once you taste that great yummy flavor. Well, off to bed. I know tomorrow is a lazy day, but I am anxious to watch some TV, and read Neal Boortz book about the Flat Tax. VERY interesting, even if he is an aggie!!!!! I sure am not! Hook 'em Horns! 1